10-Year-Old Hosts Hoedown for Hope to Fund MPS Cure

When most kids turn 10, they celebrate with cake and presents, but Simon Hoskins is planning something bigger: a fundraiser that could help cure the disease stealing his childhood.

Simon lives with MPS, a rare metabolic disease affecting one in 300,000 births. His body lacks an enzyme that clears cellular waste, causing it to build up in his bones and tissues.

The Victoria twin has endured more than 60 hospital visits and seven surgeries in his young life. He spends six hours every week getting infusions of a synthetic enzyme that slows the disease but doesn't stop it.

"I do miss out on quite a bit of activity, so it's hard when my friends are doing stuff that I can't do," Simon says. While other kids play outside, he's often managing medical appointments and recovery.

But Simon and his family refused to let MPS write their story. They launched CureMPS, a fundraising initiative that puts donations directly into researchers' hands.

"Your incredible generosity is literally what keeps our vital research funded and our scientific teams inspired," says Dr. Joseph Skeate from the University of Minnesota Department of Pediatrics. The funding helps turn laboratory discoveries into lifesaving treatments.

On May 30th, the Saanich Fairgrounds will transform into a celebration of hope. The second annual Hoedown for Hope features three bands, a DJ, food trucks, and activities for everyone.

"It's really nice to see everyone showing up for Simon and raising awareness," says his twin sister Isabel. "It's a really fun celebration."

The Ripple Effect

The money raised so far has already changed Simon's life. He's now enrolled in a clinical trial that's helping him grow, something his family once thought impossible.

But the impact reaches beyond one family. Every dollar funds research that could cure all forms of MPS and help thousands of children worldwide facing the same challenges.

Simon's mom Becs describes their journey as letting go of old dreams and writing a new story. That story now includes turning grief into action and despair into hope for families everywhere.

Isabel captures the mission perfectly: "One day I hope we can raise enough money for the scientists to find a cure."