Grace’s Courage Crusade is a passionate mission of the Sidoti/Caldarone family…
To support those living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which affects Marybeth Caldarone and her daughter Grace, who has CMT2A. Our mission includes both funding cure-driven research and raising awareness of CMT worldwide. We achieve these goals through several pathways.
First, we come together each fall at our annual fundraiser in scenic Newport, Rhode Island.
Second, we elevate the public profile of CMT through our children’s book series, written by Carol Liu and Marybeth Caldarone. The series, beginning with Arlene On the Scene and now featuring a sequel, Arlene, the Rebel Queen, educates children, parents and educators about CMT through a lively and humorous story, while providing a positive role model for those growing up with CMT. Finally, through our School Outreach Program, we bring an important message about the value of embracing differences to elementary schools across the country.
School Outreach Program Spreads Its Message Nationwide
From Narragansett to Quidnessett, Coventry to Providence, Warwick to Johnston, we met amazing students at every school. We even ventured into southern Massachusetts, to Braintree and Arlington.
School Outreach Program Update
HNF’s School Outreach Program is having its best year yet, with nearly fifty schools visited in 2012-2013
School Outreach Program and Team CMT Kids
HNF has added a new component to its successful School Outreach Program, aimed at deepening students’ understanding of disability as a difference that can be embraced as one part of a beautiful whole.
March 2013: Arlene sequel available!
Arlene, the Rebel Queen will be available in March! You can get a copy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or most other retailers and wholesalers.
Grace’s Courage Crusade Brunch 2012
Warm temperatures and brilliant sunshine welcomed several hundred guests attending Grace’s Courage Crusade this year
Arlene On the Scene: Barrington Books Fall Festival
Together, she and Carol answered questions from young and old alike about Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT). “The festival was such a nice opportunity to let kids know about Arlene and raise awareness about CMT,”
Arlene On the Scene Sequel!
Coming in March 2013, the sequel to parent and teacher favorite, Arlene On the Scene will be on the shelves!
Grace’s Courage Crusade Brunch 2011
At last count, we were close to $10,000 raised!