WEST WARWICK – A fundraising dinner-dance is slated for Friday, July 25 to raise money in support of CMT research.
Grace Caldarone, 7, of South Kingstown, suffers from the rare disease, formally known as Charcot-Marie Tooth. A peripheral nerve disease, it results in muscle waste and the loss of sensation in the arms and legs.
Grace and her mother, MaryBeth – who also suffers from the disease – were profiled in an article in Rhode Island Catholic a little more than a year ago, when they were planning a trip to Lourdes, France. The Calderone family are active members of Christ the King parish in Kingston.
CMT affects 2.6 million people worldwide, and often goes undiagnosed. Currently there is no effective treatment and certainly no cure for CMT.
Grace is a courageous girl who inspires everyone around her with her determination in dealing with her limitations, her frequent falls and constant difficulty walking, as well as her increasing difficulties holding a pencil, opening a jar or buttoning buttons. What keeps Grace and her family going is the hope that a cure is just around the corner.
A neighborhood committee has been formed and is planning the fundraiser at the West Valley Inn. They are seeking donations to support a raffle and silent auction. All business donors will be listed in the event program.
In addition, they are seeking sponsors to help support the cost of the event. Sponsors will receive special recognition in the event program. Anyone with questions is asked to call Tonia Hassell at 782-3574.
The July 25 dinner-dance will last from 6-10 p.m.. Tickets are $40 and all proceeds will benefit CMT research. Reservations are requested by July 11. They can be made on line at www.cmtausa.org/GCC or make check payable to CMTA and mail to Tonia Hassell, 108 Brown’s Farm Dr. Kingston, RI.
