Rally for Ryan Announces Third Annual Gala for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research

Naperville's Karlin Family Continues Fight to End Duchenne on Behalf of Son

NAPERVILLE, Ill. Oct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Marty Karlin, a board member of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), the largest non-profit organization in the United States focused on finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), announced today that his foundation, Rally for Ryan, will host its third annual Gala Event & Raffle at the White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville, Illinois on November 5, 2011. All proceeds from the event will go toward Duchenne research.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100119/DC39975LOGO).  

Marty and Geri Karlin started the foundation, Rally for Ryan, shortly after their son Ryan (a fourth grader) was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in April of 2008.  Marty, who also sits on the board of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, said that he and his wife had no choice after Ryan's diagnosis, but to take action: "When Ryan was diagnosed in 2008, we went through what every parent dealing with this disorder goes through. We were devastated and we felt like our world had come crashing down around us. But then we realized, it is our duty as Ryan's parents to do everything we can to help the experts find a cure. We formed Rally for Ryan as a vehicle by which we could inform our friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers about Duchenne. And as a way for them to make a donation knowing that their gift would go directly into the projects that are aggressively trying to end Duchenne. Each year Rally for Ryan proves more successful than the last, and we are incredibly optimistic about this third anniversary Gala Event & Raffle."

This year's event will be emceed by CLTV's Dolly McCarthy and will feature a performance by the band "Over the Limit", an exclusive raffle, and an auction hosted by Joel Langer. The goal of the evening is not just to raise awareness and funds for Duchenne research, says Karlin. "This is a night about having fun, making new friends, reconnecting with neighbors, and doing it all for an important, urgent cause."

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy's Founder and President, Pat Furlong, is grateful to the Karlin family for hosting this annual event. "PPMD is only as strong as the families that support us, " she said, "And the Karlins have been champions of this community since their beautiful son Ryan was diagnosed in 2008. As a community, we would rather not have Duchenne in our lives, in our families. But if you are diagnosed with this disorder, there is a comfort knowing that people like Marty and Geri are part of this community and are fighting beside you – not just for their son, but for all of our sons."

Grants provided to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy from Rally for Ryan, in the past year alone, have funded a variety of research projects including cardiac initiatives at Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital. Cardiac care is extremely important in patients with Duchenne because the heart is a muscle too. The Karlins were quick to support Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy's cardiac campaign launched at the beginning of 2011.

For more information on the Rally for Ryan Gala Event & Raffle, visit RallyforRyan.org. And visit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy to learn more about Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

About Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Duchenne, the most common form of childhood muscular dystrophy, is a progressive and fatal muscle disorder affecting boys and young men that causes the loss of muscle function, wheelchair dependency and a decline in respiratory and cardiac function.  

About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne is a fatal genetic disorder that slowly robs young men of their muscle strength. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy's  mission is to end Duchenne.

We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of young men affected by Duchenne and in research that will benefit future generations. We advocate in Washington, DC, and have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. We demand optimal care, and we strengthen, unite, and educate the global Duchenne community.

Everything we do—and everything we have done since our founding in 1994—helps boys with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until every young man has a treatment to end Duchenne. Go to www.ParentProjectMD.org for more information or to learn how you can support our efforts and help families affected by Duchenne.

About Rally for Ryan
Rally for Ryan is dedicated to finding a cure for this devastating disease. 100% of all money raised will go to researcher's that are diligently trying to find treatments and ultimately a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This dreadful disease took Ryan's uncle Patrick from us at age 17, and we are committed to making sure this disease does not get passed down to another generation. With your generosity and support, our vision to find a cure for Ryan and other boys can become a reality. Learn more at RallyforRyan.org.

SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

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