Hundreds of people come out to the Desmond in support of Hannah's Hope Fund. Our C.J. Spang has more on the organization that's moving closer to a cure for a rare genetic disorder.

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ALBANY, N.Y. -- For Hannah's Hope Fund, Saturday's Mardi Gras-themed Hope and Love Ball is its biggest fundraiser of the year.

"We have a lot of friends here. It's a lot of friend-raising," said Hannah's father Matt Sames. "But it's also a way for new people to learn about our mission, our charity and really the status of where we're at as far as developing a therapy for kids with GAN."

Hannah Sames, 7, has the rare genetic disorder giant axonal neuropathy. The disorder takes away one's ability to walk and talk and is terminal. But the organization is getting closer to finding a cure and hopes to begin clinical trials this fall.

"We don't want to celebrate victories that haven't happened yet," Matt Sames said. "But so far everything looks really good. It's very positive. If we can have our clinical trial within the next eight to nine months initiated, that's a huge feat."

Nearly 400 people attended the formal event at the Desmond. The fundraiser featured food, music, dancing and auctions. Organizers expect to bring in more than $70,000.

"It's so heartwarming to know that this many people are touched by this one family and we can all come together for a good cause and have a good time at the same time," said event co-chair Beth Salaika.

"It's a local cause. It's a cause that absolutely has an effect," said Paul Harding. "Money is going to resolve this disease. It just is."

"Beyond a good time," Laurie Cerrone said of the event. "We look forward to this every year and there are just so many prizes and so many great people that come out to support the Sames family.

"How many times can you say thank you?" said Matt Sames. "It's very humbling to have this kind of support, from so many different people, who not only support our daughter, but our mission to save all these kids and develop this therapy that's needed."

If everything goes according to plan, Hannah will begin her treatment in December.