Family Raises Support Fighting Son's Rare Disease
Two hundred plus friends and family will descend on Santinis Restaurant in Herndon to raise support and awareness for Congenital Muscular Dystrophy on Thursday, Feb. 7, from 5-9 p.m. One in 10 Americans is affected by a rare disease. John Gluck, of Herndon, is that one in 10 with a rare form of muscular dystrophy called congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD). As a rare group of diseases causing muscle weakness at birth, CMD is under-recognized and under-diagnosed by physicians. Several defined genetic mutations cause muscles to break down faster than they can repair or grow. A child with CMD may have various neurological or physical impairments. Some children never gain the ability to walk, while others lose the ability as they grow older. There is no cure and no treatment to slow disease progression.
Bipartisan Team Seeks Compensation for Victims of Forced Sterilization
Effort would give $50,000 to survivors; estimated cost would be $73 million.
Nobody knows how many people are survivors of Virginia’s forced sterilization program, which targeted people with mental illness, mental retardation or epilepsy.
Burke Resident in ‘Death Race’
Lance Sanson prepares for June’s Spartan Death Race in Pittsfield, Vt.
For those who find marathons too mundane and “century” bike rides just too casual, a new breed of extreme competitions is rapidly gaining popularity. With intimidating names like Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash and Rugged Maniac, these obstacle races offer unusual combinations of challenges that test the mental as well as physical dexterity of athletes. Atop them all—at least according to its own website and registered competitor Lance Sanson—is the Spartan Death Race, taking place this June in Pittsfield, Vt.
‘Dance Your Heart Out’ in February
In honor of National Heart Month, Metropolitan Fine Arts Center (MFAC) of Alexandria and Fairfax Station is featuring their “Dance Your Heart Out” campaign, offering unlimited adult dance and mind/body classes throughout February for a special price of $110.
Bulletin Board
Bulletin Board for Jan.-April
Robinson Stands Up to Cancer
Robinson DECA chapter raises Cancer awareness and $5,000.
Robinson Stands Up to Cancer, a series of events put on by students at Robinson Secondary School, reached out to the community to raise money for cancer research and treatment, while raising awareness about those in need.
Burke Wellness Center Opens
Brings massage, acupuncture, pilates, yoga, and fitness classes.
The Wellness Center will celebrate its official grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 5276 Lyngate Court in Burke.
Column: Protect Yourself from the Flu
No doubt, you’ve heard the news stories about the severity of this year’s influenza season. The annual virus struck early this year across most of the country, according to tracking models compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and remains “widespread.”
Column: A Simple Question
I don’t quite know how to start this column so I’ll begin with its ending: “I’m fine.”
Volunteering to Cheer
Special Olympics “Cheer Team” wows crowd with high-energy performance.
Like many girls, Jacquelyn Hoffmeier of Burke always wanted to be a cheerleader. The 25-year-old, born with Down Syndrome, finally got her chance to perform on Friday, Jan. 11. Hoffmeier, along with seven of her Special Olympics teammates, cheered and danced before a crowd of nearly 200 parents and students during halftime at the West Springfield High School girls’ basketball game.
Column: The Best of Intentions, I’m Sure
Regularly, throughout my now nearly four years of living as a stage IV non-small cell lung cancer “diagnosee”/survivor, I have had conversations where the person with whom I’ve been speaking–in response to a query of mine, said about a particular set of their circumstances: “Oh, it’s nothing, really. I mean, it’s not cancer, so it’s not as bad as what you’re (meaning me) going through.” Said with the utmost sincerity and sensitivity to me of course, and with my feelings/reaction most definitely in mind; for a long time, I simply acknowledged their empathy/sympathy and continued on with our conversation as if no emotional pot–of mine, had been stirred.
Raising Awareness, Money at Fairfax High
Seniors organize fundraising for Lou Gehrig’s Disease
For three Fairfax High School seniors--Hannah Kostoff, Carley Rolincik and Ryan Hess--a school marketing project became an opportunity to advance a noble cause. On Saturday, Jan. 12, the three seniors organized a fundraising and awareness event for the Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
Medicaid Reform Could Benefit All of Us
Commentary
Medicaid reform and expansion, in front of the General Assembly this year, could in the long run provide benefits to all Virginians while also relieving pressure from human service programs run by local governments.
Area Roundups
Resiliency Expert to Speak at Robinson
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will host a presentation by resiliency expert Nan Henderson—Resiliency in Action: How Families, Schools and Communities Create 'Bounce Back’ Kids—on Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Robinson Secondary School. This free presentation is designed for parents, school staff, and community members.
The New Year, Same as the Old Year?
Having survived almost four full years from the date of my original diagnosis/prognosis doing what I’ve done, all I should feel is: that anything is possible. I’m living proof.