Brett Favre and Packer Foundations Partner with Former West Point Staffer's Cow, Helping Critically Sick Baby Girl, Netting Over $25,000

Scott Geller, President of Cow Country Enterprises, an international company based in Appleton, WI., joined with The Packer and Brett Favre Foundations, Wal-Mart, and other area business owners, raising awareness of Mitochondrial disease, netting over $25,000

Kimberly, WI (PRWEB) October 23, 2006 -- Scott Geller, President of Cow Country Enterprises, an International company based in Appleton, WI., joined with The Packer and Brett Favre Fourward Foundations, Wal-Mart, and several area business owners for the First Annual Elena's Hope Research Fund Benefit Dinner, raising awareness of Mitochondrial disease, and netting over $25,000. "This terrible disease is relatively unknown, and yet more little kids are touched by it yearly than childhood cancer. As a father of three, I felt compelled to get involved, particularly after learning there is currently no government funding to help," said Geller of Cow Country.

Elena Welhouse is a beautiful 22-month-old baby girl who struggles daily to move her limbs, eat, and has contended with hundreds of seizures. "Unlike other infants her age, she hasn't giggled or laughed a big belly laugh for months. Most days you can see the smile in her eyes, but not on her mouth," said Sue Anderson, grandmother of Elena. Elena has Mitochondrial Cytopathy, which doesn't allow her to properly metabolize energy.

Mitochondria produce more than 90 percent of the body's energy. When these tiny parts of the cell can't do their job, the body doesn't get the energy it needs, resulting in a wide range of debilitating and sometimes fatal symptoms. "Elena has been poked and tested more than most of us ever will be. Certain days you can see a beautiful spirit within her, just trying to get out. In spite of all the life-sustaining seizure drugs, she still holds on to some of her personality, but sadly, can't express it the way you or I would," said Mindy Welhouse, mother of Elena.

To honor Elena and her continuing battle, the Welhouse family of Kimberly, WI., established the Elena's Hope Research Fund through the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF). All money donated goes to research, in Elena's name.

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