Changing the Definition of “Normal,” Harper Howard of Hope4Harper.com Overcomes Obstacles from CDKL5 Epilepsy and is Recognized for Her Determination and Inspiration
Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC Pink: MJNA) and its portfolio company, HempMeds®, congratulates 5-year-old Harper Howard of Hope4Harper, who was crowned the 2015 National American Miss Texas Princess Cover Girl this weekend at the regional pageant held in North Texas. Diagnosed with a debilitating and often life-threatening disorder called CDKL5, Harper overcame major obstacles and is now visibly seizure-free. Harper’s goal with competing in the NAMISS pageant was simple: change the definition of “normal.”
Harper received a trophy, banner and crown for her efforts. She will receive other prize options including a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disneyland and an option to participate in the National pageant representing her state of Texas as Miss Cover Girl.
“Saying that Harper has overcome extreme odds and obstacles is an understatement,” states Andrew Hard, Spokesperson for HempMeds®. “Her participation in the 2015 NAMISS event alone is an epic achievement; we hope others will celebrate this and send their congratulations through Hope4Harper.com. It is truly heartwarming and a miracle that we all are witnessing our beloved Harper crowned as the 2015 National American Miss Texas Princess Cover Girl. We know that she will represent the organization well and continue to give hope to others around the world who are living with debilitating conditions.”
At the age of two weeks, Harper Elle Howard’s body was overcome by seizures. After nine intense months of scouring the country looking for one doctor who could identify the reason why this was happening, Harper’s parents heard the words “no known cure.”
“This was simply unacceptable,” states Harper’s mother, Penny Howard. Penny and Dustin Howard honor their daughter’s life by doing everything possible to improve her quality of life while dedicating their fundraising efforts to supporting seizure-related research. They founded Hope4Harper.com, as a result.
CDKL5, a rare genetic seizure disorder that typically presents itself in the first few months of a child’s life, had been diagnosed only 300 times globally at the time of Harper’s diagnosis. Since that day in 2011, the number has doubled. Those living with CDKL5 suffer from a wide array of health issues leaving them with the inability to talk, walk or feed themselves; many are confined to a wheelchair.
Open to all avenues of therapy for their daughter, Penny continues, “In 2013, Dustin and I saw a documentary on cannabidiol or ‘CBD’ that was derived from the marijuana plant and we were hopeful – but Texas was not a medical marijuana state then. We explored all options to access CBD in Texas without having to move out of state from our family and support group. Texas just passed the ‘low THC cannabis’ law but marijuana-derived CBD isn’t a viable option here for at least two years. Take it from Harper – there are CBD hemp oil options immediately available.”
Hard concludes, “We are thrilled to see Harper’s life unfold. The Hope4Harper blog shows her now enjoying music, dancing, attempting to speak, going on family vacations, and engaging in non-verbal communication. She truly represents the ‘new normal’ by living life to the fullest, regardless of her diagnosis with CDKL5. Harper can also add ‘catalyst to changing international cannabis law’ to her list of lifetime achievements. She is truly an inspiration around the world. We are looking forward to cheering her on in the next round of competition for the national NAMISS Princess Cover Girl. The HempMeds® team loves her, very dearly, she’s the reason we get out of bed everyday. You go, girl!”
The CBD hemp oil in products from HempMeds® is non-psychoactive compared to the cannabinoid THC, the compound abundantly found in marijuana that is known for being psychoactive. Medical Marijuana, Inc. and HempMeds® do not make any medical claims on any of their products, but offer federally legal, whole-food sources of cannabidiol (CBD) hemp oil to consumers. The CBD hemp oil from MJNA and the Company’s subsidiaries is tested by multiple industry and food laboratories for quality assurance throughout the “seed to shelf” product lifecycle.
For more information, visit www.HempMedsPX.com.
About HempMeds
HempMeds® offers mainstream marketing, sales, customer service, and logistics for the cannabis industry. HempMeds® is a corporate portfolio company of Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC Pink: MJNA) and the Company’s exclusive master distributor and contracted marketing company. In addition to handling sales and distribution, HempMeds® is the communication hub for the Medical Marijuana Inc. portfolio of companies.
About Medical Marijuana, Inc.
Our mission is to be the premier hemp industry innovators, leveraging our team of professionals to source, evaluate and purchase value-added companies and products, while allowing them to keep their integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. We strive to create awareness within our industry, develop environmentally-friendly, economically sustainable businesses, while increasing shareholder value. For more information, please visit the company’s website at: www.MedicalMarijuanaInc.com.
