You all gave generously (and how!), so Clocky's going to clock on Anachronox. Stay tuned!

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Back in January of this year, my son was diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, a very rare genetic condition that affects his physical and mental development, especially as it relates to speech and language skills.

This has been a very difficult diagnosis for us to come to terms with. Little is known about the long-term prognosis for this condition, but what we do know is hard. It is extremely unlikely that my son will ever live independently. He may never speak at all. The life expectancy for people with his condition doesn't seem to be shortened, but there are severe medical complications that could be associated with it. Unfortunately, we just don't know.

My son is one of only 700 people worldwide to be diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, and with a condition that rare, information about it can be difficult to come by. My wife and I have often found ourselves in the unenviable position of explaining his condition to his doctors while trying to get help and advice on how best to care for him. We even had a doctor look his condition up on Google in the middle of our appointment in a well-meaning attempt to help us out.

There's a foundation related to his condition, and every year they hold a conference for parents and medical professionals to network, discuss recent research developments, and share stories and advice. This conference would be a fantastic opportunity for us to speak with other parents and with professionals who are more familiar with this condition than anyone we've met with to date.

Unfortunately, some unexpected and expensive car repairs torpedoed any plans we might have made. My sister-in-law has raised some money for at least my wife to attend the conference, but we're still short of what we need. My wife has started a Fundrazr page to hopefully get us the rest of the way there. If you can spare to donate even a few dollars, it could go a long way toward helping us out.

Thanks, everyone.

Edit: Dysplastic had a wonderful suggestion:

Dysplastic wrote:

Popped in 10$. I think a fun way to raise money would be to have contributors vote for a game for you to have to play through and document your adventures in - a way to get back at you for all the clocking over the years, so to speak.

This is a gaming site, so why not?

I'll tell you what: I hate fun, and I hate PC games, and I hate classic PC games. So you guys pick something off GOG for me to play, and I'll record myself playing it, complete with clocky commentary for all to enjoy.

Post your suggestions in the thread.

You people are amazing. Genuinely, fantastically amazing.

Edit 2: Just over three hours after this thread went up, we surpassed our original goal of $1,500. I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of the people on this site and am honestly at a loss for words. After some prompting from members of the community, my wife and I decided to bump up the goal so that I could attend the conference, too. It's our stretch goal.

I feel double fine. Thank you all.

I dropped $10 on there for you. I know it isn't much, but it's about all I can spare at the moment. Good luck and you'll all be in our prayers.

Wow, well that sucks. At least you are trying to learn as much as possible. Not that it makes it easier but I think more knowledge always helps.

I hope you make your goal, my .2 cents is on its way

Popped in 10$. I think a fun way to raise money would be to have contributors vote for a game for you to have to play through and document your adventures in - a way to get back at you for all the clocking over the years, so to speak.

Sent what I could, and hope you all get to go.

Subscribing so I can remember to contribute after payday.

Dysplastic might be on to something. Sort of a Clock's Desert Bus.

My contribution is based on you making even more Darksiders jokes because:

(A) I think they're funny
(B) They annoy other people
(C) I'm kind of a dick that way

Done and done.

Done. And don't not mention Darksiders again, I'm curious to know if it's any good.

I never know what to say in situations like so I'm glad I can help out in other ways.

I donated, but I don't want you to stop clocking Darksiders. I'm glad there's a resource for you out there, and glad to help you get to it.

Happy to help. I hope everything goes well for you and your son.

Dysplastic wrote:

Popped in 10$. I think a fun way to raise money would be to have contributors vote for a game for you to have to play through and document your adventures in - a way to get back at you for all the clocking over the years, so to speak.

I will drop another $50 if you do this because I want to force someone else to suffer through Damnation like I had to!

How long do we have? I see the conference is at the end of July, I don't know if they have a cut-off date. I'll try and drop cash every Friday when I get paid to try and get you guys to your goal.

Done. Good Luck.

I'll put in for this. Don't worry Clock, there are plenty of others who'll keep the Darksiders tradition alive.

Unfortunately.

Without naming names.

MilkmanDanimal.

Done, and keep the memes rolling

MilkmanDanimal wrote:

My contribution is based on you making even more Darksiders jokes because:

(A) I think they're funny
(B) They annoy other people
(C) I'm kind of a dick that way

I second this.

Wish I could give more than I did, but I'm currently unemployed and I don't suppose Gamestop credit will do you much good. I wholeheartedly wish you and yours the best.

LobsterMobster wrote:

I'll put in for this. Don't worry Clock, there are plenty of others who'll keep the Darksiders tradition alive.

Unfortunately.

Without naming names.

MilkmanDanimal.

My question is, when I make comments about Darksiders, are they as good as Clock's?

I dropped 15 funny American moneys in. If you haven't hit the target by payday, I'll stick some more in.

Keep on clocking about Darksiders though. So far, the majority view is clear!

MilkmanDanimal wrote:

My contribution is based on you making even more Darksiders jokes because:

(A) I think they're funny
(B) They annoy other people
(C) I'm kind of a dick that way

Momma, I like the bouncy Tigger best.

MilkmanDanimal wrote:

My question is, when I make comments about Darksiders, are they as good as Clock's?

They're perfectly serviceable, if a little derivative at times. Your influences are obvious but I suppose you're proud of them. They're like a darker, metal version of Clock's. With some Panzer Dragoon in there as well. Definitely worth $4.

IMAGE(http://assets0.ordienetworks.com/images/user_photos/1154836/FJLYw_fullsize.jpeg)

Done. Best of luck to you and your family.

Memes, you say?

IMAGE(http://www.geekscape.net/_wp_/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/JeffGoldblum07.jpg)

Donated. Hope it helps.

ccesarano wrote:

I will drop another $50 if you do this because I want to force someone else to suffer through Damnation like I had to!

I tried playing that game and quickly came to the conclusion that someone designed it as a punishment. Damnation was an apt name.

Blind_Evil wrote:
MilkmanDanimal wrote:

My question is, when I make comments about Darksiders, are they as good as Clock's?

They're perfectly serviceable, if a little derivative at times. Your influences are obvious but I suppose you're proud of them. They're like a darker, metal version of Clock's. With some Panzer Dragoon in there as well. Definitely worth $4.

I'm like a ClockworkHouse for grownups.

I would argue that ClockworkHouse is an all-ages version of MilkmanDanimal, actually. It's not just for kids.

IMAGE(https://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/12/5/18/SaHiS67GaUKprT6brVDgbA2.jpg)

You people are amazing and awesome. I'm completely overwhelmed by your generosity. Thank you all so much.

Dysplastic wrote:

Popped in 10$. I think a fun way to raise money would be to have contributors vote for a game for you to have to play through and document your adventures in - a way to get back at you for all the clocking over the years, so to speak.

This is a gaming site, so why not?

I'll tell you what: I hate fun, and I hate PC games, and I hate classic PC games. So you guys pick something off GOG for me to play, and I'll record myself playing it, complete with clocky commentary for all to enjoy.

Blind_Evil wrote:
MilkmanDanimal wrote:

My question is, when I make comments about Darksiders, are they as good as Clock's?

They're perfectly serviceable, if a little derivative at times. Your influences are obvious but I suppose you're proud of them. They're like a darker, metal version of Clock's. With some Panzer Dragoon in there as well. Definitely worth $4.

Perfection.

ClockworkHouse wrote:

You people are amazing and awesome. I'm completely overwhelmed by your generosity. Thank you all so much.

Dysplastic wrote:

Popped in 10$. I think a fun way to raise money would be to have contributors vote for a game for you to have to play through and document your adventures in - a way to get back at you for all the clocking over the years, so to speak.

This is a gaming site, so why not?

I'll tell you what: I hate fun, and I hate PC games, and I hate classic PC games. So you guys pick something off GOG for me to play, and I'll record myself playing it, complete with clocky commentary for all to enjoy.

Blind_Evil wrote:
MilkmanDanimal wrote:

My question is, when I make comments about Darksiders, are they as good as Clock's?

They're perfectly serviceable, if a little derivative at times. Your influences are obvious but I suppose you're proud of them. They're like a darker, metal version of Clock's. With some Panzer Dragoon in there as well. Definitely worth $4.

Perfection.

Oh man. I think it's finally time for you to play Planescape, isn't it

Goodluck CW!

PAR

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