With a theme of TIME IS MUSCLE, the Kindness Over Muscular Dystrophy (KOMD) event held on Sept. 9 and organized by Ridgefield residents Jessica and Christopher Curran, raised record-breaking dollars.
Held at Captain Lawrence Brewing Company in Elmsford, the fundraiser raised awareness $411,000 for cutting-edge Duchenne research. Funds raised by KOMD are now at the 2 million dollar mark.
The event was an opportunity for the community to have fun doing good. Scott Vaccaro of Captain Lawrence Brewing Co generously offered his venue again for the KOMD benefit in Elmsford, New York.
Attendees enjoyed DJ entertainment, Mr. Met, Magician, dinner, cornhole tournament, silent auction, raffleand a release of limited edition #KOMD beer. Proceeds from the event will be directed towards research to cure DMD, a fatal genetic disorder affecting muscles of the limbs trunk, lungs and heart.
This event was kindly sponsored by:
• Captain Lawrence Brewing Company • Spire Therapy • True North Chartering • AMP Partners • Fairfield County Bank • Gramercy • LMS Entertainment • Prime Payments • Teamsters Local 456 • Y Design • Ask Bio • Certa Pro Painters • Fortis Lux Financial • Lasberg Construction Associates • Muscular Dystrophy Association • Myosana Therapeutics • NS Pharma • Prime Time Lacrosse • Regenx Bio • Sarepta Therapeutics • Sisca Northeast • Swimfinity • The Rep Track Company The following amazing restaurants and individuals are provided food, beverages, entertainment and ambience: • Ack Beverage • Adam Ryan • Avery McCarthy Filmmaker • Bailey's Backyard • Br'ers BBQ • Cellar XV Wine Market • Chez Lenard Gourmet Hot Dogs • First Smile Photos • Freddy's • Lexington Square Cafe • LMS Entertainment • Mr. Met • Polsky Sports & Entertainment • Posa Ristorante + Vineria • Quaker Hill Tavern • Rye Grill & Bar • Salinger's Orchard • Sleight of Hand Magician • Tequila Escape • The Board Beauty • The Carriage House • Village Social • What's Cooking • Y Design • Yorktown Grille Duchenne
Muscular Dystrophy is a progressive muscle-wasting disease that primarily affects boys. Currently, most do not survive past early adulthood. As devastating as this diagnosis is, the Currans are full of hope for Conner and so many other DMD children. Research in this area is exploding with advancement. Exciting new CRISPR research and gene therapy clinical trials are currently being conducted that may change the course of this disease forever.
Conner is an engaging thoughtful young boy who is always ready with a warm bright smile that lights up his face. This smile amazingly remains on his face through numerous blood draws, MRIs and muscle biopsies.
Conner has had to face a slow grueling process of losing muscle – all the while witnessing his siblings and friends gain strength and mobility. He has had to contend with the fact that he must use a scooter to get through his school day. If he falls, he needs assistance getting up off the ground. No matter how tough a kid is – this disease takes an enormous amount of courage to face every day.
Given Conner’s prognosis, the Currans have pledged to do absolutely everything in their power to advocate for Conner and to help raise funds to find a cure. Jessica and Christopher are humbled and grateful for the support they have received from the Ridgefield and Westchester communities who have gathered together to help them achieve their advocacy and fundraising goals.
The fact that Conner sees his parents working hard to do everything they can to raise money to find that cure gives him hope.
To date, Kindness Over Muscular Dystrophy has raised $2 million and they have funded cutting edge research and clinical trials.
But even with this significant input of funds, there is still so much more to accomplish. Jessica and Christopher understand researchers are making great strides, but they are in a race against time and these young boys don’t have a lot of time. They believe the time to act, and act decisively, is now.
The Currans ask for your support –because No kid and no family should have to face this.
Thank you to our Champions - we can defeat DMD together. Thank you!” With the help of the community these kids can get over the finish line to strength and health!
To learn more about Duchenne and to donate visit www.KindnessOverMD.org
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