Veronica's Voice is a charity established to provide support and education for children and families affected by chromosome disorders. This fund was established after the birth of Veronica Cummings who was diagnosed with Trisomy 13.

Trisomy 13 is a disorder of chromosomes which occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 live born infants. Trisomy 13 is due to the presence of an extra #13 chromosome. Infants born with Trisomy 13 have a recognizable pattern of physical features and birth defects that often allow the health professional to make the diagnosis of the syndrome. About 60% of those born with Trisomy 13 experience cleft lip or palate and 80% will have a congenital heart defect. The major implications of Trisomy 13 involve an increased mortality in infancy, and developmental disability in older children. In addition, older infants can have visual difficulties, hearing loss, problems with lung development, reflux and feeding problems.

Although the first three months Veronica Cummings' life seemed like a blur of confusion, uncertainty and unnumbered doctor's visits, Veronica defied everyone's expectations. At three months doctors urged her parents to prepare for the worst, as Veronica's chance of living through each new day decreased. On the contrary, and to everyone's surprise, this strong little girl has held on even with the prognosis of being blind and mentally retarded.

Veronica, who was given a fatal diagnosis at birth, will celebrate her second birthday in December 2008. She will be surrounded by family and friends who, by tax-deductible donations, helped begin Veronica's Voice Fund.

Veronica's Voice Fund helps provide support and education for families who have been touched by one of these very special children living with a chromosome disorder.

Thank you to everyone who made The Virginia Dinner for Veronica such a success!

With your help - and a very generous donation from The Mill at Fine Creek - the dinner raised more money than we could have hoped for the charity.

Thank you again for all of your support!

Continue to watch our website - and www.myspace.com/veronicasvoice -- for upcoming events where you, too, can play your part in supporting The Veronica's Voice Fund. For more information or to donate, contact Jessica Menz-Crenshaw at veronicasvoice@live.com.

If you'd like to support Veronica's voice, please make checks payable to:
Veronica's Voice Fund
7110 Patterson Ave Suite D
Richmond Va, 23229