Each year, the A-T Children’s Project (A-TCP) invites runners to join the A-T CureTeam and participate in runDisney events at Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. By running with the CureTeam, participants pledge to raise funds to support A-TCP’s mission to advance research for treatments and a cure for ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), a rare and complex genetic disorder. Fundraising goals can seem challenging, but time and again, we’re inspired by the unique and creative approaches A-T families use to make a difference.
One standout story this year comes from Jack, a witty and big-hearted 14-year-old with A-T, whose family is participating in the 5K at runDisney’s January race weekend at Disney World. To meet their fundraising goal, Jack and his family decided to create and sell holiday ornaments, turning this season’s joy into impactful support for A-T research.
How They Did It: Jack’s Ornament Fundraiser
Jack has been pouring his time and energy into crafting these ornaments, and each one represents more than holiday cheer—it’s a symbol of resilience and hope. Jack’s mom organized the fundraiser with accessibility and ease in mind, making it simple for anyone to support their efforts.
To start, they decided on a suggested donation amount in exchange for each ornament, creating a welcoming way for people to participate at any level they feel comfortable. For those interested in giving a little more than the suggested amount, the option is always open.
Supporters make donations directly to Jack’s custom donation page on atcp.org. The A-TCP staff is always happy to help create a custom donation page for any fundraiser! This custom page streamlines the donation process for supporters and keeps everything secure, so Jack’s family doesn’t have to handle cash or checks directly. It’s a simple solution that lets donors contribute instantly and browse around the site to see the impact their support is making.
Spreading the Word
To promote the ornament sale, Jack and his family created a Facebook event where they share updates, photos of Jack making the ornaments, and snapshots of the finished creations. A flyer with all the key details rounds out their strategy, and they make a point to thank each supporter personally. Their efforts have resonated with their community, and they’re already well on their way to reaching their fundraising goal.
Get Inspired for Your Own Fundraising Journey!
Whether you’re a runner on the CureTeam or just looking to get involved, there are countless ways to support A-TCP’s mission creatively. Jack’s ornament sale is a perfect example of how personal passion and a touch of holiday spirit can come together to make a real impact. With the support of A-TCP’s resources, including custom donation pages and guidance from the team, creating your own fundraiser can be both simple and meaningful.
We can’t wait to see Jack and his family at Disney World in January—and we hope their story inspires you to find your own creative path to making a difference for A-T research. Every ornament, every donation, and every race run brings us closer to a world without A-T.