By Gary Lloyd
TRUSSVILLE — The Birmingham Area Marfan Community Group hosts its second annual “Cooking from the Heart!” fundraiser Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Holy Infant of Prague Catholic Church in Trussville.
The church is located at 8090 Gadsden Highway.
Part of the proceeds from the event are earmarked for a scholarship fund that enables a local family affected by Marfan or a related disorder to attend The Marfan Foundation’s annual family conference each year. The remaining funds go directly to The Marfan Foundation for its education, research, and patient support programs and services.
Amber Harbison, leader of the Birmingham Area Marfan Community Group, is passionate about supporting the foundation because her husband and daughter are affected with Marfan syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that affects the body’s connective tissue. She started the local support group last year so her family could share experiences and gain information with other local families who are also affected with these conditions.
“The experience of attending the foundation’s annual family conference is priceless,” Harbison said. “Only at the conference can a Birmingham family get access to some of the most Marfan-knowledgeable physicians in the country, receive invaluable support, and have the opportunity to connect in-person with so many others living with Marfan and related disorders.”
The public is invited to the free event, which will feature door prizes, glitter tattoos, balloon animals and more. Donations are appreciated.
In the fundraiser’s inaugural year, the group raised $7,500 for The Marfan Foundation.
For more information, please call 800-8-MARFAN or visit www.marfan.org.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.