September 23, 2023– Ernest Hemingway wrote “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.”  It is with this view of strength that The RYR-1 Foundation is excited to highlight a fundraiser hosted by the Thomason family of Columbia Center, OH. Harper Jade and her family set into motion the Strength for Harper Jade fundraiser to raise money to benefit The RYR-1 Foundation.

Harper Jade was born in 2019 with dislocated hips and was diagnosed at three months old. At 15 months old, she had a closed reduction surgery and spent eight weeks in a spica cast followed by four weeks in a rhino brace. In January of 2021, she started physical therapy. Prior to the closed reduction surgery, Harper saw neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and geneticists. In September of 2022 genetic testing concluded that Harper has a RYR-1 de novo mutation. Although RYR-1-RD affects Harper’s ability to run, jump, and go up stairs, she is still able to be independent! She walks, plays, and loves riding her scooter! She loves going to preschool and all of her friends, including her “furry” ones.

On September 23, 2023, the Thomason family hosted a local Park Pop-up Workout event in Lakewood Park, Ohio. Her mother, Kayla, is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. She led a bodyweight workout. The event was to raise awareness for those affected by RYR-1-RD and to celebrate, not only Harper Jade’s journey, but the ability to move! 

“I believe movement is a gift and that it is NEVER ok to question HOW someone moves their body, but be grateful that we CAN.” said Kayla Thomason, Harper Jade’s mother.

If you would like to host a fundraiser for The RYR-1 Foundation, please click HERE for more information. If you would like to make a donation to The RYR-1 Foundation, please click HERE.