The Courage Continues

The poignant story of Sharon Browne and the tireless fight for her children’s lives and well being.

“Courage” is the documentary which tells the poignant story of Sharon Browne and her strength in raising two children with the rare and fatal disorder, Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). The film was started as a small school project and has since gained attention by affected families around the world. It is not a film of sorrow or misfortune but a film of hope and strength!

On January 10, 2009, the new thirty-minute version premiered at Chapman University's Folino Theatre with standing room only. Over 500 people were in attendance. The event raised over $9000 USD for the National MPS Society to support research for a cure.

Lori Basheda from the Orange County Register wrote a wonderful article that beautifully illustrates the story of "Courage." It appeared on the front page of the January 7, 2009 paper and can be viewed online here.

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The Future

"Courage" premiered to nearly 500 people at the sold-out Folino Theatre. Even before the event, we received countless e-mails asking about the "next" screening and distribution of the film.

Future Screenings
Considerable interest has been shown for future screenings of "Courage." We are currently in the beginning planning stages and we will inform you of updates through this website and through our e-mail list. Please check back often.

DVD Copies
We are working to find the best means of distribution. We ask for your patience during this process and will be sure to let you know of updates on this website and by email.

News / Media
We want the story of Sharon Browne to go national. Lets make it so everyone knows about MPS! We will post all press coverage here and announce it by email. Please check back often to see how you can help.

Donations
We raised over $9,000 just because of a single event. It doesn't have to stop there. Please click here to find out how you can make a difference. Make a tax-deductable donation to the National MPS Society today either online or by mail.

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A Letter of Gratitude

Dear Courage Supporters,

Wow! I really am not sure what else I can say. During the initial planning stages of “Courage,” we were expecting around 200 people. My estimating skills were proved wrong when we ran out of seats at Chapman University’s 480 seat Folino theatre. Due to your incredible support and generosity, it is my honor to officially report that the Courage Premiere Gala has raised $9,108 USD. 100% of this money is going directly to the National MPS Society to support research for a cure and to provide support for MPS families.

Your kindness truly is unique, your compassion is heart warming, and all I can say is thank you. Thank you for your unparalleled support of the Browne family and for helping to give hope to all MPS families.

I have received so many e-mails from people asking how they can help and many others with ideas to start their own projects. Please keep the conversation going. Sign up for e-mail updates at couragemovie.com and we will let you know of future plans. A number of people have expressed interest in purchasing a DVD. Please know we will actively pursue different means of distribution and keep you updated.

If you did not yet make a donation and would like to do so, donations will always be accepted at mpssociety.org. Please be sure to mention the “California Courage Premiere Gala” so we can keep track of all funds raised.

The Courage Will Continue!

Jonathan D. Formica
Producer / Director
"Courage"

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Muco-poly-what?

Courtesy: The National MPS Society
Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) and related diseases are genetic lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) caused by the body's inability to produce specific enzymes. Normally, the body uses enzymes to break down and recycle materials in cells. In individuals with MPS and related diseases, the missing or insufficient enzyme prevents the proper recycling process, resulting in the storage of materials in virtually every cell of the body. As a result, cells do not perform properly and may cause progressive damage throughout the body, including the heart, bones, joints, respiratory system and central nervous system. While the disease may not be apparent at birth, signs and symptoms develop with age as more cells become damaged by the accumulation of cell materials.

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01/21/09 - Courage to spread on FOX and KOCE - More
01/14/09 - Courage Raises $9000 - More
11/10/08 - Courage Gala Tickets On Sale - More
05/15/08 - The Courage Continues - More

Make a tax-deductable donation
to the National MPS Society Today

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