Our Favorite Charity

Dear friends and patrons of Tuthill Lighting Inc,

It is with hope and need that I want to introduce you to these two sisters, Sara and Laura Ferrarone. They are the daughters of Bob & Margaret Ferrarone and sisters of John Ferrarone of Pittsford. The girls are 19 and 16, and they attend Pittsford schools. It was 12 years ago that Sara was diagnosed with a rare neurodegenerative disorder named Friedreich's Ataxia (FA). Friedreich's Ataxia (FA), is a genetic disorder which afflicts about one in 50,000 people; symptoms include impairment of vision, hearing and speech, scoliosis, diabetes, a serious heart condition, and loss of coordination in the legs and arms. The onset of symptoms is usually in childhood. Most are wheelchair bound. Sadly, Sara has been in a wheelchair since the third grade. It wasn't long after this diagnosis that Bob & Margaret began to see the same symptoms in their younger daughter, Laura. Although Laura can still walk, she is beginning to show the many signs of the disease and it has already robbed her of the ability to run, ride a bike, and even write legibly.

Sadly, there are no treatments or cures at this time. Due to the relatively small population affected by this disease, however, funding through traditional sources has been limited. Some very impatient and involved parents have formed a non-profit organization called the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA). Their goal is to bring researchers together to collaborate and integrate their findings ensuring that every avenue is being sought. FARA also provides financial support to these prominent researchers from around the world. Tuthill Lighting, in an effort to do something, is asking you to contribute to this worthy cause. Please support this fund-raising and know that you are helping you own, two young girls that deserve and need the support of their community. All contributions can be given to FARA and are tax-deductible. Thanks so much for your patronage and your heart of caring.

Bruce S. Bellwood