Wishing for a Lifetime Charity Event
On May 31st we enjoyed hosting our 6th annual charity fundraiser. Our Wishing For a Lifetime event raised funds for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation and the Bennett Blazers sports program of Kennedy Krieger. The evening included a Bull and Shrimp Roast dinner, an inspirational message by former NFL Baltimore Colt Joe Ehrmann, and a silent auction. We were excited to see another $8,000+ go to support the great work of these charities.
Joe Ehrmann, Coach for America
The inspirational message of the evening was delivered by Joe Ehrmann. A former NFL Baltimore Colt, Mr. Ehrmann runs an organization called Coach For America (www.buildingmenandwomen.org), which works to train leaders and coaches about investing in others. Mr. Ehrmann spoke to our guests about the need to live for a purpose greater than yourself and to use your life to help others. It was a call to action shared from his own experiences including his professional football career and when he lost his younger brother to cancer. We are very grateful to Mr. Ehrmann for sharing his time with us.
United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation
We chose our two charities in part because of their intersection in one of our patients. Peter has worked with us at Chesapeake for over seven years as part of his battle with mitochondrial disease. The mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90% of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and support growth.  Mitochondrial disease causes a lack of sufficient energy resulting in symptoms affecting the brain, heart, liver, skeletal muscles, kidneys, and the endocrine and respiratory systems. The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (www.umdf.org) works to support families and individuals battling mitochondrial disease. They also fund research to help in the diagnosis and treatment of mitochondrial diseases. Every 30 minutes a child is born who will develop a mitochondrial disease by the age of 10. Yet they face a future with no known cure. We are hoping our efforts will help make a difference.
Bennett Blazers of Kennedy Krieger
Without a cure, those with mitochondrial disease rely on vitamins and medication for symptom management. Exercise is also critical for success. The Bennett Blazers at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore provide instruction and competition in adaptive sports. The program has greatly enriched the life of our friend Peter. Working with kids from 2-18, they strive to “teach kids all they can do, before they think they can’t!â€Â The 100+ families participating in the program come from all over Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia, with disabilities including spina bifida, cerebral palsy, heart conditions, cancer survivors, and children born with missing limbs. The Bennett Blazers are truly making a difference in the lives they touch and we are excited to be a part of it.
