As the host for Claus for a Cause, I am honored to partner with the VOGM Support Network to bring this special event to our community.

My connection to this mission is deeply personal. My daughter, Kinley, was born with Vein of Galen Malformation (VOGM), a rare and life-threatening vascular condition affecting approximately 1 in 60,000 births. Since her diagnosis, Kinley has undergone eight brain procedures, numerous hospitalizations, ongoing therapies, and specialized medical care.

Because VOGM is so rare, expert treatment is only available at a handful of medical centers across the country. Our family traveled from Washington State to Boston Children's Hospital so Kinley could be treated and monitored by one of the nation's leading VOGM specialists. Like many families facing a rare diagnosis, we found ourselves navigating complex medical decisions, extensive travel, financial strain, and a future that looked very different from what we had imagined.

Throughout our journey, the VOGM Support Network has provided encouragement, education, resources, and connection. Today, I have the privilege of helping bring awareness to VOGM while supporting an organization that continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families around the world.

Claus for a Cause is more than a holiday event. It is an opportunity to bring our local community together, support small businesses, create meaningful memories, and make a direct impact on families affected by one of the rarest pediatric vascular conditions.

Thank you for supporting and making a lasting impact this holiday season.