Author Archives: Brittany Thomas

This past Sunday Austin Youth Fitness hosted the 3rd annual Run to the Sun Fun Run 5K and Kids’ K benefitting Beyond Batten Disease Foundation. What started as a cold and rainy morning turned into a wonderful event filled with fitness, family and philanthropy that raised over $8,200 for research!

VIEW/DOWNLOAD PHOTOS from the event, courtesy of Kasandra Keyes.

*Special thanks to Ballooms Austin, Kula Karate, Kasandra Keyes and the Austin Youth Fitness coaches, Allison Phillips, Cindy Samok, Dana Reyna, Brandon Batiansila, Courtney Ewing, Emily Chauvin and Larry Chauvin.

Listen to BBDF co-founder, Charlotte Benson as she discusses coping with a child’s terminal illness on The TKO Show with Kara Ro.

Charlotte and Craig Benson established Beyond Batten Disease Foundation in August 2008 after their then five-year-old daughter, Christiane, was diagnosed with juvenile Batten disease. With other families affected by Batten disease and supporters who share their hope and resolve, they are working tirelessly to create a brighter future for Christiane and all children with Batten disease. Listen to the podcast HERE!

BBDF Welcomes Tyler’s Mission to our family of donor advised funds. By pooling resources and connecting communities we are able to expand our impact and reach to accelerate research. With their motto “GO TYLER, BEAT BATTEN” the Kim’s have already raised over $20,000 for research and we are so grateful to have them join forces so that we can one day eradicate juvenile Batten disease for Tyler and the hundreds of other children who are affected.

Last year, the Kim family received the devastating news that their youngest child, Tyler, suffers from juvenile Batten disease. The Kims quickly reached out to Beyond Batten Disease Foundation for help and guidance. To find out more about Tyler’s Mission visit the website.

“While our hearts are broken, we are incredibly blessed that today, Tyler is in great physical and mental shape… Our family and Team Tyler’s mission is to find a cure and defeat Batten disease.” – The Kim Family

Tyler Pershing Allman

April 9, 2001 – January 21, 2018

Our community lost a super hero when Tyler Allman passed away on January 21, 2018. The Allman family and the Team Tyler community have been committed BBDF partners and our hearts and condolences go out to them. You can view their family story and donate in memory of Tyler at tylerallman.com.

“Surrounded by his parents and brother, Tyler peacefully entered the Kingdom of Heaven on January 21, 2018… Our son Tyler brought more inspiration in his 16 years than most do in a lifetime. Tyler was born with Juvenile Batten Disease but didn’t show signs of the terminal, neurodegenerative disease until he was 8 years old. Tyler loved every sport and was born a natural athlete like his dad. Tyler played t-ball until he began to lose his fine and gross motor skills, his vision, and suffered from seizures and eventually was no longer able to walk or talk. His favorite team was the Cubs and there was always a pitching machine or a batting tee in our backyard. Ty loved getting up early as a 6-year-old to go golfing with his dad or hitting golf balls in the woods behind our home. He loved the adventure of riding his dirt bike so far out that we couldn’t see him, but we were always thankful for his return.” 

READ THE FULL OBITUARY HERE