During the school year, the 6th graders raised money by operating the School Store each day during lunchtime. In the fourth quarter of the year, the students researched local nonprofits who might benefit from their hard work. This year, our 12 sixth graders chose the Matthew & Andrew Akin Foundation as the recipient of their $1,800.This organization was founded by current TFS parents, Justin and Kristin Akin. They lost both of their sons within 8 months of each other (Andrew at just 27 months and Matthew at age 5 1/2) to a very rare disease called Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).
HLH is a disorder of the immune system in which too many infection-fighting cells are produced and activated, causing damage to organs. While rare, HLH is rapidly fatal. However, with prompt and accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, a cure is possible.
The mission of the Matthew and Andrew Akin Foundation is to provide the latest information on treatment, research trials and overall HLH education; to continue to raise funds not only for education and awareness, but to help assist HLH families transfer their care to the world-renowned experts at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center; and to inspire families and friends to help in the fight against HLH.
We hope you will take a minute to read more about the foundation at https://www.matthewandandrew.