The Janeliunas Family

18 month old Colton Janeliunas was diagnosed with extremely rare Pitt Hopkins syndrome on November 16, 2015. Pitt Hopkins Syndrome (PHS) affects a specific gene in chromosome 18 and is characterized by developmental delay, lack of speech, distinct facial features, gastrointestinal issues, possible breathing problems, and possible recurrent seizures. PHS is so rare that Colton is one of only 350 people in the U.S. with the syndrome and as far is publicly known, the single person in Illinois diagnosed with it. Since this syndrome is so incredibly rare, there are a lot of unanswered questions for the family and they are unsure of what Colton’s future looks like.

The Wennerstrom Family

At 47 years-young, thinking he was just battling a vicious virus, Greg Wennerstrom was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. This was extremely hard on Greg and Tracy as she was preparing to deliver their second Miracle Baby as well as care for their daughter. Even during the delivery of little Steven, Greg was upstairs in the hospital receiving treatment for his illness while Tracy was downstairs bonding with the baby. Just three short weeks after diagnosis Greg lost his fight to the disease, leaving behind a loving wife, a six week-old baby boy and a four-year-old daughter. The family is now down to a single income, struggling to recover from Greg’s missing paycheck.

Contact One for the Kids for More Information

To learn more about the event and how you can help, please click below to contact us. One for the Kids was formed back in 1993 by people who wanted to make a difference in the community. Over the years we’ve managed to raise and donate more than $1,000,000 to Chicago-area families and charities. We hope you’ll join us for the 9th Curve Ball on March 11, 2017.