Delivering Stuffed Sidekicks and Smiles to KIF1A Superheros
Good Dogg sends Rare Disease Day Care Packages Containing A Special Stuffed Pup to 70 Superheroes with KIF1A to Spread Smiles and Rally Support for Families Facing Rare Diseases.
On February 28, Good Dogg care packages filled with stuffed dogs, frisbees, and other fun items arrived at the homes of 70 patients affected by KIF1A Associated Neurological Disorder (KAND), a severe and rare neurodegenerative disorder.
As a brand dedicated to ensuring families facing rare diseases have access to service and therapy dogs, Good Dogg couldn’t let Rare Disease Day ® (a day dedicated to raising awareness and generating change for the 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease, their families and caregivers) go by without doing something to show our commitment to these strong and special humans and the dogs who love and support them.
The unique part about this package is the stuffed dog “Teddy,” named after the inspirational pup whose story forms the heart of the Good Dogg brand. For those of you who aren’t familiar with KIF1A.ORG, the kids and young adults who suffer from KAND are often referred to as Superheroes! We felt it fitting to ensure that each one of these superheroes had a loyal and trusty sidekick to accompany them on the obstacles they face every day.
Raising Awareness and Taking Action
Sending these boxes was a small gesture meant to bring some smiles and moments of joy, but Good Dogg’s pledge to support and advocate for families of children facing rare diseases extends beyond Rare Disease Day and drives everything we do.
A portion of the profit from every Good Dogg Premium Hard Seltzer goes to KIF1A.ORG to help raise awareness and funding for research to discover treatments. But we’re committed to joining with consumers and the beverage industry at large to make a uniquely powerful and pawsitive impact for families facing rare disease, a population that is often overlooked and underserved.
Why the Focus on Rare Diseases?
With so many diseases and disabilities out there, why focus on the rare ones? The answer is because they’re the ones most in need of attention, research, and advocacy.
While any given rare disease affects a relatively small portion of the overall population, more than 7,000 rare diseases currently impact over 300 million people globally. That is not a small number. And sadly, 50 percent of rare diseases affect children and often come with complex, chronic medical challenges, and a shortened life expectancy.
“In the rare disease world, it often feels like we’re the underdog. Our kids are battling a neurodegenerative disease that robs them of skills and abilities so many of us take for granted, like skipping on a playground, drawing a picture, or telling a friend about their day. At the same time, the families behind KIF1A.ORG are working relentlessly to fundraise and recruit the brightest scientists to help us find treatment for this life-threatening disorder,” said Kathryn Atchley, President of KIF1A.ORG and mother of KIF1A Superhero Parker.
From delayed diagnosis to a lack of knowledge, understanding, and treatment options, and often limited access to therapy or medical care, families facing rare diseases fight battles that few of us can fully comprehend and most people don’t see.
Organizations like KIF1A.ORG have made tremendous strides in raising awareness and funding for research, building supportive and empowering networks, pushing for policy changes, and working with medical professionals to drive earlier diagnosis and move towards a cure. Still, there is so much more work to do.
A Mission with an Important Message
Good Dogg supports the vital work of organizations like KIF1A.ORG while doing our part to ensure families affected by rare diseases know they are seen and loved by an even wider community of people who care.
“I can’t tell you how grateful we are to have the Good Dogg team join our mission to cure KAND while bringing comfort to our families here and now.” mentioned Kathryn. “Teddy brought pure joy to our KIF1A families around the world—from Australia to America. He’s the perfect sidekick to our relentless superheroes.”
That’s why Teddy made his journey across the globe. And this is where you come in.
When you join Good Dogg in our mission to increase access to service and therapy dogs for families facing rare diseases, you’re also sending a message to this extraordinary group of people that their immediate happiness and quality of life matter to us all.
What you can do:
Enjoy Good Dogg Premium Hard Seltzer – just by purchasing a case of Good Dogg, we donate a portion of our profits to KIF1A.ORG and help support their mission to raise awareness and search for a cure for KAND.
Join our mailing list – follow along on our journey, learn more about the mission, and find out when Good Dogg Premium Hard Seltzer will arrive in your area. Buy Good Dogg Merch – Stock up on Good Dogg items like these cool tie-dyed t-shirts, dog accessories, and hats. All profits from these items go directly to our charitable partners.
