Seahawk News
For immediate release
September 24, 2009
Contact: Pete DiVito, 401-341-2461
Seahawks to Participate in Coach to Cure MD on Saturday
NEWPORT, R.I. - Members of the Salve Regina University football coaching staff will wear 'Coach to Cure MD' logo patches on the sidelines in support of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Coach to Cure MD fundraiser this Saturday, September 26 when the Seahawks host Endicott at Gaudet Field at 3 p.m.
Thousands of collegiate coaches across America will wear this patch to raise awareness and research funding for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the most prolific genetic killer diagnosed in childhood. College football fans will be asked to donate to research projects supported by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, the largest nonprofit organization in the U.S. focused entirely on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
"The coaching staff at Salve Regina University is dedicated to supporting the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy," said Salve Regina head coach Chris Robertson. "Our goal is to promote awareness of this fatal genetic disorder that targets young boys so that the future can be a brighter one for those who are diagnosed with the disease. This is a wonderful cause and we hope to someday see a victory in the fight against MD."
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed during childhood and primarily affects boys across all races and cultures. Boys and young men with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy develop progressive muscle weakness that eventually causes loss of mobility, wheelchair dependability, and a decline in respiratory and cardiac function. Currently, there is no cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and limited therapeutic options exist.
"College football coaches are dedicated to the betterment of young men, and that's why the entire coaching profession is proud to be a part of Coach to Cure MD," said Grant Teaff, AFCA executive director and legendary former coach of Baylor University. "Our coaches are determined to beat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and we need college football fans to help."
The financial service firm TIAA-CREF has signed on again this year as the national sponsor and will donate air-time this Saturday for a Coach for Cure MD commercial featuring Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel and Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez.
"We are honored to participate in the Coach to Cure MD project," said Salve Regina Director of Athletics Colin Sullivan. "Through the support of our coachesÂ’ and their continued commitment to the betterment of young men, we trust our efforts to raise awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy will aid in finding a cure for this deadly disease."
Last year, over 2,675 college coaches participated in the inaugural Coach to Cure MD event. Teaff said he expects an even wider cross-section of coaches to participate in this program's second year. Families affected with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy will also gather for fundraising tailgate parties on campuses around the country to encourage more fans to get involved.
"We are thrilled to be teammates again this year with the AFCA for Coach for Cure MD. The commitment of the coaches and universities that are participating is truly inspiring. We are taking a comprehensive approach in the fight against Duchenne - funding research, raising awareness, promoting advocacy, connecting the community, and broadening treatment options," said Pat Furlong, founding president and CEO of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD). "And with the support of the AFCA and college football fans everywhere, we are confident that we will end Duchenne."
Fans are being asked for make a $5 donation by texting the word 'CURE' to 90999 on Saturday, Sept. 26. A confirmation message will then be sent back within two seconds, and by replying to the message with the word 'YES,' the $5 is then added to your next cell phone bill on a separate line under donation. Fans can donate up to $25 by repeating the task five times. For more information and full terms and conditions, visit www.CoachtoCureMD.org. For more information about PPMD, visit www.parentprojectmd.org.
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