Riding for Research is a special fundraising initiative of Jeans, Genes, & Geniuses, the proceeds of which will directly benefit the McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for MD Research at Carolinas Medical Center through the Carolinas MD Research Endowment.

Dear Friends,

Many of you are familiar with my story. I’ve been humbled by your compassion and generosity as you’ve contributed over the years to research that will someday provide a cure for Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD). After receiving my own diagnosis of LGMD at age 5, my family quickly grasped the hardships I could face. It is true that my condition is progressive, bringing new challenges and changes to my life almost daily. But what hasn’t changed is my strength in spirit and mind. Today I’m blessed to remain active, enjoying one of my greatest passions—riding Jackson at Misty Meadows.

I have enjoyed seeing many of you at our past Jeans, Genes, and Geniuses fundraising events. This year, in lieu of our evening social, I will Ride for Research at Misty Meadows on November 3, bringing awareness to Muscular Dystrophy and raising funds for the Carolinas MD Research Endowment. Your gift to this cause will bring hope to many patients and their families battling Muscular Dystrophy.

By Riding for Research, I am raising funds specifically for first-time clinical research trials aimed at finding a cure, which are the first steps involved in testing the safety and effectiveness of a drug on humans. Every dollar you contribute will directly benefit the Fourth International Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Research Conference being held in Charlotte in Spring 2015. This conference will bring together experts from the McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research and research colleagues from across the globe to specifically address the latest clinical trials for LGMD.

Research is the first step towards improving treatments and finding cures for all who suffer from Muscular Dystrophy. Since 2008, Jeans, Genes, and Geniuses has raised over $400,000 for the Carolinas Muscular Dystrophy Endowment. Donations have provided funding for research and treatment at the McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research at Carolinas Medical Center, one of the leading facilities in the world dedicated to finding a cure for LGMD. Thank you for considering making a gift to support the research that is so critical to finding a cure and bringing hope for all who battle Limb Girdle and related Muscular Dystrophies.

Sincerely,

Jane B. Lockwood

Initiated in 2008, Jeans, Genes, and Geniuses has raised over $400,000 for the Carolinas MD Research Endowment, which is dedicated to supporting research being conducted in the McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research at Carolinas Medical Center.

Contributions to Riding for Research are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations. To opt out of future communications from Carolinas HealthCare Foundation, please email chfoptout@carolinas.org, telephone 704-355-4048, or write to: Carolinas HealthCare Foundation @ P.O. Box 32861, Charlotte, NC  28232.