Dine for a Cause: Join Culver's in Fulshear to Support Annabelle's Amazing Graces and GNAO1 Disorder Research
This Thursday, July 18, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the Culver's in Fulshear, located at 6677 Flewellen Way, invites residents to dine in and help support a worthy cause for one of Fulshear's own. A portion of the day's proceeds will be donated to Annabelle's Amazing Graces, a fundraising initiative that aims to benefit research into and awareness of GNAO1, a rare genetic disorder that affects only a few hundred people worldwide.
The story behind Annabelle's Amazing Graces is one of resilience and hope in the face of overwhelming odds. Born in November 2015, Fulshear resident Annabelle was a joy to her family. But at six months old, she began missing developmental milestones. She wasn't sitting, crawling, or babbling much, prompting her parents, Daniel and Shelley van Deursen, to seek medical advice.
Daniel and Shelley van Deursen with their children at No Label Brewing Co. in April 2024 for "Annabelle's Run," Following a series of tests, doctors finally discovered that Annabelle had a GNAO1 mutation, a rare genetic disorder accounting for approximately 350 cases globally. The disorder manifests a broad spectrum of symptoms, ranging from seizures to movement disorders, with almost all diagnosed children experiencing some form of developmental delay.
Despite being diagnosed with a disorder marked as terminal, Annabelle has since defied expectations. She attends second grade, moves around her home, feeds herself, and communicates with her family using an AAC device. She even has a service dog named Weller, who has become her best friend. Through therapy and a determination to thrive, Annabelle has become an embodiment of progress.
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Her parents have channeled their hopes for a cure into Annabelle's Amazing Graces, a fundraising effort to contribute towards research into the GNAO1 mutation. They have partnered with the Bow Foundation, whose mission supports GNAO1 research grants.
Culver's Fulshear, by donating a portion of their Thursday sales, is offering everyone a chance to contribute to this deserving cause. Whether you're popping in for lunch, dinner, or a frozen custard treat, each purchase brings Annabelle's Amazing Graces one step closer to understanding and, hopefully, curing GNAO1 mutations.
To learn more about the GNAO1 mutation or to donate directly towards research and helping children diagnosed with this mutation, visit the Bow Foundation's website at gnao1.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
