Each year dozens of MDF families across the country find creative ways to raise awareness and funds for Care and a Cure. We sincerely thank them for the incredible hard work and passion they bring to these events, and deeply appreciate the much-needed funds they raise!
We’ve shared a few of their stories below so you can help us say thank you, and perhaps find yourself inspired by one of them to sign up for a grassroots event of your own!
The Esparis-Kuglers Go the Extra Mile(s)
Sprinting into 2017, former MDF Humanitarian Award winners David Kugler and Dr. Belen Esparis again brought together a team to run the Miami Marathon to raise funds for MDF. More than 20 friends and family members crossed the finish line, raising over $10,000 together for Care and a Cure! Check out their story and fun photos (below).
Asher Adleberg, Fundraiser Extraordinaire
February grassroots campaigns include a sixth birthday event for Asher Adleberg, a young boy in San Diego. Asher told his parents he wanted to help find treatments for his best friend, MDF community member River Jensen, and asked for donations to MDF in lieu of birthday gifts for himself—what an amazing young man! If you’d like to donate, click here and write "Asher and River Birthday Campaign" in the gift dedication space.
Cards and Crafts in Kansas
This February also includes an annual fundraising event presented by the Bormann family of Kansas. Each year, the Bormanns gather friends, cards and crafts for their annual Poker and Pintervention party which raises funds for MDF. Wondering what a Pintervention is? The 3rd Annual Poker and Pintervention Party gives friends, family and colleagues a chance to get creative in support of DM. Some will complete a DIY product selected by Kelly, as a group, while others test their luck and (their poker face) at the game tables. A silent auction will raise additional funds. Visit their event page to find out more.
St. Patrick's Day Shenanigans
On St. Patrick's Day this year, two different groups will channel the luck of the Irish to raise awareness and funds for MDF. Community member Edibell Stone teams with the annual Church Hill Irish Festival in Richmond, Virginia, every year, featuring MDF as a beneficiary and bringing in thousands of dollars to support DM care and research programs. In Victoria, Texas the Christie family and friends host an annual Shenanigans Festival at their local pub, celebrating creative art and music while supporting MDF programming.
The Tough Mudder Returns
This May, Team Addison is back and stronger than ever for Philadelphia's Tough Mudder. Ten friends and colleagues of the Evans family have signed up to get tough and raise funds focused on finding treatments for myotonic dystrophy.
These are just some of the amazing grassroots fundraisers working on behalf of Care and a Cure for myotonic dystrophy. You too can get involved—it can be as simple as turning one of your hobbies and ideas into fundraising event—and we can help. Contact MDF to learn more: 415-800-7777 or info@myotonic.org.
And thank you, from all of us at MDF, for your incredibly important work driving Care and a Cure for families affected by myotonic dystrophy!
