Our Mission

This foundation was formed to promote awareness of children afflicted with Menkes disease. Menkes is a rare genetic disease that is commonly missed by the medical community because the signs and symptoms at birth and in early infancy are subtle and often confused with other diseases. Early treatment of symptoms is crucial for these children to maintain a sense of normalcy during their infancy and early childhood. Because of this we encourage prenatal genetic testing for neurological diseases.

Our goal is to achieve improvements in Menkes research, healthcare, education, and community involvement through medical conferences, advertising, fundraising events and other similar endeavors. We would like to provide an example of brotherhood between friends and families who have lost loved ones to this disease. This can be achieved through a commitment to common charitable activities in honor of their loved one. This organization was founded in the memory and spirit of our son, Wesley Quinn Eckman to benefit everyone who suffers from Menkes.

The Menkes Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors is comprised of family members of Wesley Quinn Eckman. We lend our expertise on a voluntary basis to ensure the public will be well informed of all phases of the foundation’s work. We strive to educate the medical community on Menkes disease, as well as lend comfort and support to families with a child inflicted with this disease. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Executive Directors
Jamie Eckman - President
Drew Eckman - Vice President
Cathy Metz - Treasurer
Amie Dalton - Secretary

Board Members
Cara McCandless
Rose Eckman
Julie Eckman