We want you to meet Mia Hultgen. Mia just turned 30. She's beautiful, accomplished, kind, and from all accounts a totally awesome person. Mia has SMA. SMA Type III. Doctor's told Mia and her parents that she would be lucky to survive to 18. And yet here she is…living, loving, and preparing to travel to India! She is incredible!
Mia is a Santa Barbara native and contacted us a few months ago and explained that for her 30th birthday she wanted to create a fundraiser for the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation. Mia has never fundraised before. She has never been deeply involved in the SMA world. But, she is now. And we are blown away by her. She says:
After receiving my diagnosis of SMA in 1982, the medical community did not have the knowledge or understanding of this disease and could not offer any help. Since the completion of the human genome and the advancements made in understanding SMA, this disease is being spoken about very differently, with the terms 'treatment' and 'cure' often being used. This has given me hope for the first time in my life that SMA will one day be a thing of the past. I feel it is my duty to put a face to this disease and make it relatable for people in our community; to empower them to feel that through their donations they are making a very real contribution to not only my life, but so many others lives…people who contribute are quite literally lifesavers. I am ever so grateful to be able to call Santa Barbara my hometown and am beyond thankful with the amount of support I have received in this venture.
Over the last few months, with the help of some wonderful friends, Elena and Ana, Mia has created a concert event at the SoHo for Friday, September 3. She has lined up three awesome bands: The Upbeat, The Rise and Fall, and Winchester Rebels. And the silent auction list is beyond cool…with items still coming in:
- Framed Painting from famous Bay Area Artist Emily Weil
- A Facial from Bliss Spa by Angela Ireland
- Portrait Session with Kacie Jean Photography and $75.00 Print Credit
- Personal Fitness Training Package with IMX Pilates Studio
- SB Stroller Boot Camp Session
- Wendy Foster/Pierre Lafond $100 Gift Card that can be used at any of the stores or at Lafond Wineries
- Bottle of Lafond Pinot Noir
- Round of Golf for Two People at Glenn Annie Gof Course
- Surf Board- Channel Islands Surf Shop
- Magnum of Fine Wine donated by Cyan Systems
- Enlarged Framed Beach Photograph by Skye Huges Photography
- Autographed Gourmet Italian Cook Book by Montecito Chef Michelle Carbone
- Lunch for Two at Cafe Buenos Aires
- Parents Night Out Package with Arts and Craft supplies from The Learning Den Preschool
For only a $20 donation at the door, you can listen to live music, mingle and dance, all while raising money to help END SMA — for Mia and the tens of thousands of people impacted by this devastating disease! Can't wait to see you there!!! And please spread the word!