Radio Disney Celebrates Local Boy to Help End Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Radio Disney Celebrates Local Boy to Help End Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

The #1 Kids Radio Station to Sponsor 4th Annual Sam's Family Fun Day Benefiting Largest U.S. Non-Profit Fighting Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

DALLAS, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- John Killian, Chairman of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), the largest non-profit organization in the United States focused on finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), and his wife Stefanie Killian, announced today that Radio Disney will be a sponsor for the 4th Annual Sam's Family Fun Day (Sam's Day) on October 25, 2008 from 10am to 2pm on Flagpole Hill at White Rock Lake.

   (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081013/39034    Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081009/DC38130LOGO )   

Sam's Day is named for the Killian's son Sam (6 years old), the youngest of four children, and was started in October 2005 by the Killian's financial advisor and close personal friend, Chris Messick, CFP of Northwestern Mutual. Sam's Day is a free, family-friendly event with bounce houses, a bungee rope run, train rides, clowns, face painters, magicians, and great food, including Chic-Fil-A. This year, Radio Disney will present singing and dancing sensation, Superstar Express. The event will also feature a silent auction that will include items such as a TX Motor Speedway VIP Package, autographed memorabilia from 2008 Summer Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte, and Dallas Stars Suite tickets.

While an inexpensive way for a whole family to have a great time, Sam's Day has also created awareness about Duchenne and, says Stefanie Killian, "given families an opportunity to talk to their own children about what it means to face adversity in life, and to talk about accepting people with different physical and mental abilities."

Duchenne, the most common form of childhood muscular dystrophy, is a progressive and fatal muscle disorder affecting boys and young men that causes the loss of muscle function, wheelchair dependency and a decline in respiratory and cardiac function.

"When Sam was diagnosed with Duchenne in early 2005 and Chris suggested that we have a fair to raise money and awareness, we thought he was crazy and knew that no one would come," says John Killian. "Last year we had over 700 people attend and since starting we have raised over $250,000 for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. Having Radio Disney come forward to provide this year's entertainment and to promote the event on-air, really makes the sky the limit in terms of what we can do to improve the treatment, quality of life and long-term outlook for all individuals affected by Duchenne. Plus Sam is excited to be a radio star."

Radio Disney, the number one, twenty-four hour, radio network in the country for kids, tweens, and families, is equally thrilled to partner with Sam's Day. Jamie Ramsey, Radio Disney's local station manager says, "We are honored to be part of this hugely important event that, like the Radio Disney brand, promotes family, acceptance, and of course, fun!" Besides entertainment from the aforementioned Superstar Express, Radio Disney will have music onsite and will promote Sam's Day in the weeks leading up to the event.

About PPMD

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 1994 by parents of children with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. The organization's mission is to improve the treatment, quality of life and long-term outlook for all individuals affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy through research, advocacy, education and compassion. PPMD is headquartered in Middletown, Ohio with offices in Fort Lee, New Jersey. For more information, visit www.parentprojectmd.org.

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Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081009/DC38130LOGO
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081013/39034
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN1
http://www.parentprojectmd.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

CONTACT: Will Nolan of Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy,
+1-201-944-9985; or Kathrine Foster of Messick Financial Solutions,
+1-972-663-7609

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Profile: International Entertainment