OUR VISION: Seek and we shall find.

OUR MISSION: Raising funds to research treatment and seek a cure for Friedreich’s ataxia.

HOW IT BEGAN

Seek A Miracle (SAM/MDA) was founded in October 1994 by Rochelle Litke. That year, her 16-year-old daughter Samantha, received the grim diagnosis of an incurable, genetic neuromuscular disease called Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). Unable to stand by and watch her daughter’s body be ravaged by a disease without treatment or cure, she became a woman with a mission. Her passionate quest was to help find solace for children and adult sufferers with FA. After much research, Rochelle learned that in the United States not a single nonprofit organization existed that raised funds for the sole benefit of FA research. Her passion ignited, she decided she would create one herself. And so, Seek A Miracle (SAM) was born, soon joining forces with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). MDA allocated an account specifically for SAM and the express use of its funds for the research of this disease. Over the years, individuals and families have joined the SAM, holding walk-a-thins, bike rides, bowl-a-thons, bakes sales and more to benefit SAM. Other non-profits have joined with us, including the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) at the National Institute of Health in Washington, D.C. Since the creation of SAM in 1994, over $1.3 million have been raised solely for the sake of FA research. Seek A Miracle/MDA does not employ any paid staff and 100% of monies go to seeking a cure through grants to doctors and researchers worldwide.

Unexpectedly, our founder Rochelle Litke, passed away December 23, 2004, from complication following a stroke. My name is Samantha Litke. I am Rochelle’s daughter, I have FA and I have taken over as president/chairwoman of the organization. Her legacy lives on in all of us as we continue to seek this miracle.

SAMANTHA’S STORY

At the age of eight, the first signs of FA appeared in the form of poor coordination. My first diagnosis, of scoliosis (typical in FA) came at age 12. I was told I'd grow out of it. By my early teens my walking began to look like I was drunk and having no explanation for it, I was refeered to a pediatric neurologist. The doctor performed a series of blood tests, an EMG, and a nerve conduction study test, and came to the conclusion of Friedreich's ataxia. We were told there was no cure or treatment and that I'd more than likely be dead by 21. After he said that big scary word, the doctor said that FA is a form of muscular dystrophy. I then spoke the only words that day to the doctor...

"So, you're telling me I'm one of Jerry's kids?"

"Yes," he replied, and out the door I went.

I drove to the library and in all the books and periodicals there were jus two lines of information about my disease to be found. I was frustrated! That night my mom, dad, little sister and I sat down and cried together. My mom was never one to sit on the sidelines. She wanted to be in the game and not just in it, she wanted to be the quarterback. She knew the cure was out there and if anyone could find it would be her! That is how SAM/MDA came about.

We eventually made it across the country from California to New Jersey, Cherry Hill to be exact. I like New Jersey, although the weather plays a number on my body with aches and pains, but it’s beautiful. I graduated high school here and began going to a community college. I blew out the candles on my 21st birthday surrounded by loved ones and far from the place that neurologist expected me to be. FA slowly but gradually took its toll, and I needed the assistance of a walker. When I was 23, I had a total spinal fusion surgery with several months in rehab. I got through it but it meant that I would now be confined to a wheelchair. Now at 27, I am  married without children yet, I don't drive, but I live everyday to the fullest,  taking each one at a time.