When a child suffers, hearts can break. But when Kevin and Christen Gullatt faced the challenges associated with their son’s diagnosis, Basal Cell Carcinoma Nevoid Syndrome, a condition known well by Christen who is also afflicted with the disorder, the two decided to use their situation for good. And so the concept of Jingle Bells for Basal Cells was birthed.
The inaugural Jingle Bells for Basal Cells, a 5k and family fun run set for Saturday, December 5, 2009, will bring hundreds of people to downtown Bartlesville but will serve an even greater purpose – creating awareness of the condition and raising critical dollars for research and education.
“Conventional treatment, like xrays and radiation, can actually do more harm than good,” says Kevin Gullatt, husband and father. “It is imperative that doctors are equipped with information specific to this condition. While they always mean well, without the essential knowledge that allows them to distinguish this condition from others with similar symptoms, the wrong course of treatment is often applied. Education truly is imperative, and our passion for the cause drives this event.”
Basal Cell Carcinoma Nevus Syndrome is a genetic disorder afflicting approximately 1 in 67,000 children. The condition is an inherited, genetic condition resulting in multiple and early onset basal cell carcinomas and other tumors. Other physical manifestations include jaw cysts, a broad forehead, fluid on the brain, bifid ribs, scoliosis, and palmar and plantar pitting. Patients must often undergo countless surgeries throughout their lives to combat the effects of the disorder.
Jingle Bells for Basal Cells focuses on educating the community about the disorder and raising funds for organizations like Basal Cell Carcinoma Nevus Syndrome Life Support Group (www.BCCNS.org), an agency dedicated to supporting those with the condition and advancing education within the medical community.
“The Jingle Bells for Basal Cells 5k Run was established in honor of our son, William, who was diagnosed shortly after his birth in May, 2008,” says Christen Gullatt. “We are extremely awed by the outpouring of support and encouragement by friends who have volunteered to make this community-wide event a reality. As the plans develop for our first year’s run, I’m incredibly excited to see that the day will not only raise money for a great organization but also be a fun-filled time of celebration.”
Jingle Bells for Basal Cells has partnered with Bartlesville Community Foundation in structuring a mechanism for tax-deductible donations to benefit the event. Through a fund established with BCF, donors can easily give in support of the event and its cause.
“The Jingle Bells for Basal Cells Run is such a great example of the spirit of Bartlesville – the way that we come together to support each other, the way that we rally behind a need with a ‘let’s-do-all-we-can-to-make-it-better’ approach,” says Julia Crouch, executive director of Bartlesville Community Foundation. “BCF is proud to play an important role in the project. Because we are able to provide a simple way for people to support the efforts of the group, we allow the volunteers involved in the project to focus on making the Jingle Bell Run the best it can be.” For more information about giving to the fund, contact BCF at 918.337.2287.
