Sam Adams & Musicians Unite for a Concert with a Cause

June 14, 2010 - PRLog -- The Weldon FOP Research Fund and IFOPA present a special concert to raise funds and awareness for FOP research on Sunday, June 20th from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts in Morristown, NJ.
The Weldon FOP Research Fund was established in 2001 to support The University of Pennsylvania’s Center for FOP and Related Disorders, directed by Drs. Fred Kaplan and Eileen Shore. The goal of the center is to develop an effective prevention and cure for this debilitating disease.  FOP, short for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, is a rare genetic disorder in which bone forms in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Bridges of extra bone form across the joints, progressively restricting movement and any attempt to remove the extra bone results in even more robust bone formations.  The FOP story has been featured on, 20/20 Medical Mysteries, Grey’s Anatomy, CNN with Paula Zahn, and the Discovery Channel.
Whitney Weldon, 18 of Morristown, NJ, was diagnosed with FOP in April 2001.  She, along with close friends, organized this event to bring a greater understanding to this disease to a younger crowd and further research to find a cure for FOP.
“I have this disease, but I am living my life to the fullest as a normal teenager,” says Weldon.  “It’s really important for me to raise as much awareness about this disease as I can. But most importantly, I want to help the University of Pennsylvania find a cure.  I really think that this concert is going to be a huge help in gaining local awareness for the disease and raising some much needed funds for research.”
Headlining the benefit concert is electro-pop rapper Sam Adams (real name Samuel Adams Wisner) who has had an independent success story that most music artists dream of.  The Boston native was signed to independent record label 1st Round Records in 2009 and has since amassed a loyal fan base, playing sold-out shows across the country and becoming a top selling iTunes Hip Hop artist.  Rounding out the night’s musical lineup are performers including Christina Kay, 18E, Dean Anthony, DJ Out Loud and Music is Luv.
Tickets for the benefit concert range from $30 to $125 and can be purchased at www.MayoArts.org or by calling the box office at 973-539-8008.  All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Weldon FOP Research Fund at the University of Pennsylvania and the International FOP Association.  The event will take place at Community Theatre at Mayo for the Performing Arts (100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960) on Sunday, June 20th at 7 p.m.
If you are interested in attending this event please contact Maria Cucciniello at 973-707-7125 or by e-mail, maria@thehipevent.com.

About Weldon FOP Research
It is our goal to provide the FOP Laboratory with the staff and resources they need to find the cure.
• To successfully utilize animal models of FOP zebra fish, fruit flies, and mice to learn more about the condition and find novel, yet safe treatment options.
• To begin trials of medical therapy and treatment options on humans.
• To provide the most compassionate medical advice and care for our patients
One of the most rare disabling genetic conditions known to mankind, FOP causes bone to form in muscles, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues. Bridges of extra bone develop across joints, progressively restricting movement and forming a second skeleton that imprisons the body in bone. There are no other known examples in medicine of one normal organ system turning into another.
About IFOPA
The International FOP Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting medical research, education and communication for those afflicted by the rare genetic condition Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP). Our mission is to instill hope through research, education and support while searching for a CURE for FOP.  Founded in 1988 by Jeannie Peeper, a woman with FOP, the IFOPA was originally established because Ms. Peeper wanted to bring people with FOP together. Today, the organization has grown to include members across the globe, support FOP research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine at a rate of approximately $500,000 annually and be a life-support to those who suffer from FOP.

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