Dempster Family Foundation Kicks-Off 22q Mystery Mobile Tour
Celebrities Jump Aboard the Bus to Raise Awareness about 22q Deletion Syndrome.
- Atlanta, GA (1888PressRelease) July 18, 2012 - The Dempster Family Foundation's (DFF) 22q Mystery Tour bus is crossing the country from July to October to educate consumers about the mystery of 22q deletion syndrome, a disorder caused by a micro-deletion of the 22nd chromosome. Celebrities such as actor Gary Sinise, Cedric the Entertainer, America Pickers host Mike Wolfe, golfer Hale Irwin and professional hockey player Erik Cole of the Montreal Canadiens have already jumped on the bus to support the cause.
Beginning July 7, the Dempster Family Foundation 22q Mystery Tour will kick-off at the 8th Biennial 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Meeting at Walt Disney WorldŽ in Orland, Fla. and make appearances in five additional metropolitan cities including Cincinnati and Columbus, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; Royal Oaks, MI; and Lincoln, NE. The tour will stop at events organized by families of children with 22q deletion syndrome and hospitals and clinics to support families of children diagnosed with 22q deletion. The Foundation will also visit community festivals along the route to educate consumers about the 22q deletion disorder, its impact on families and the importance of newborn screening for 22q deletion syndrome.
"The goal of the mobile tour is to inform the public about 22q Deletion syndrome and provide information and resources to individuals about this relatively unknown disorder," said Ryan Dempster, major league baseball player for the Chicago Cubs and president of the Dempster Family Foundation. Dempster's daughter, Riley, now 3, was born with the disorder. "This tour also demonstrates the Foundation's ongoing commitment to providing support for families who may be struggling with a 22q diagnosis or symptoms related to the disorder."
For consumers who want to join the 22q bus, they can create an "I'm on the bus for kids with 22q" video and upload it right on the 22q Mystery Tour website or post to the foundation's Facebook and Twitter pages for a chance to win weekly prizes. The contest, which runs through December 31, 2012, is open to residents of the 50 United States (and D.C.) who are age 18 or older. "I'm on the bus for 22q" videos must be compelling, original videos - no longer than 60 seconds in length. A winning video will be selected on the 1st and 15th of each month through Dec. 31, 2012. Videos have already been uploaded by Gary Sinise, Cedric the Entertainer and Mike Wolfe, among others.
According to statistics, 22q deletion syndrome often goes undiagnosed; but, it is almost as common as Down syndrome, the widely recognized chromosomal disorder. An estimated 32,000 children are born worldwide each year with 22q deletion syndrome, making it present in one out of every 4,000 live births. Medical experts have identified 180 health and development issues related to 22q deletion disorder, ranging from mild to life-threatening. If not treated appropriately, many of the symptoms can cause lifelong negative effects.
"Many people living with 22q are unaware; as even the most astute clinicians often fail to recognize the disorder. Because of this, we wanted to provide people with the necessary information so that they can be informed and know where to turn for support," said Dempster.
About The Dempster Family Foundation:
The Dempster Family Foundation (DFF), founded in 2009 by major league baseball player Ryan Dempster after his daughter Riley, now 3, was diagnosed with 22 22q11.2 deletion, is a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of families of children diagnosed with a 22q disorder through information, referrals and financial assistance in the form of grants. The DFF is also committed to providing financial assistance for 22q deletion programs of education, advocacy, research and service. For more information about the Foundation, please visit the website at www.dempsterfoundation.org, follow the Foundation's Twitter steam or their Facebook page.
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