Tonight — after 2 1/2 months of intense planning — the BIG Climb 4 SMA Kick Off Party officially kicks off!!! And the Burks family are simply extraordinary!They really are.Kristin and Tony are pouring every ounce of energy into changing the brutal outcome of this disease, all while giving Jadon the best possible life they can. They have been amazing to work with — professional, organized, dedicated, and beyond excited to roll up their sleeves and be instrumental in moving the needle on SMA research. And they have been busting their butts getting ready for tonight's big event. They've called in favors, they've reached out to friends, they've gotten their community involved, and they have inspired countless people to want to make a difference. They have teams of volunteers helping at tonight's event, they have a stellar lineup of silent and live auction items, and they have thought of so many details to motivate and encourage others to join the fight!
Bill flew out early this morning to be there. Dr. Chris Lorson, esteemed SMA researcher and Co-Chair of FightSMA's Scientific Advisory Council, will be attending. Of course Jim Baker, the amazing mountain climber climbing Mount Acongagua, the highest peak in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres, to elevate SMA awareness and funding in honor of Jadon, will be there in full force. And local personalities Don Harman & Sharita Hutton from FOX4 news will be on hand to introduce them all to theover 200 guest!!! 226 as of now!!!
And….drum roll please…before the event has even started…over $20,000 has been raised for gene therapy research!!! Amazing!!! And, of course, 100% of all funds are part of GSF's “$200K for SMA” campaign in collaboration with FightSMA's “Realizing the Dream” gene therapy program.
THANK YOU Tony and Kristin for all you have done and continue to do to help end SMA. We are honored to be partnered with you and are so humbled to be involved in such an incredible journey.
Click here to read their blog post about today on Climb4SMA.com!
Click on below image to watch this fantastic news story about the Burks family and their Climb 4 SMA campaign!