BeeHealthy

Life-saving research

targeted for Muscular Dystrophy Association's

'Give me Five Walk'

More than 200 people are expected at the first "Give Me Five Walk," to support life-saving research sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The walk will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 with registration and a rally at the Nottingham entrance to Delaware Park, followed by a walk through the park.

The event will conclude at the Nottingham entrance with a free picnic lunch for all participants and families registered with the association.

Walkers are soliciting pledges of donations for the 3.4 mile walk. The funds raised by the walk will be used to fund research of the walker's choice.

The walkers can choose from one of the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases the association covers.

MDA does not receive any government funding and relies solely on private donations.

A kickoff meeting for team captains and walkers will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Aug. 8 in the meeting room of the Kenmore Library, 160 Delaware Road, Kenmore.

Those interested in becoming a team captain are encouraged to attend. Call the MDA at 626-0035 to register for the kickoff meeting or for more information regarding the event.

The MDA is a voluntary health agency and a partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans.

The MDA combats neuromuscular disease through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services and far-reaching professional and public health education.

For more information on the disease or the foundation, visit www. mda. org.

Second annual

'VIVA for Life'

set for September

After a successful inaugural event last year, "VIVA for Life, an Evening of Celebration" is back again.

This black tie fund-raising event, which benefits the Western New York Breast Resource Center and patient care and education programs at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, will take place from 8 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22 at Romanello's South in Hamburg.

Last year, the event raised $28,400 for The Resource Center at Roswell.

The evening of celebration will include a silent auction, music, dancing, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, door prizes, a midnight pink balloon drop to "ring in" October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the presentation of this year's "Living Life with Hope and Courage" Award to a breast cancer survivor and advocate.

For the second year, news anchor Maryalice Demler will serve as the honorary chairperson for the event. Sponsors for the evening include VIVA Hair & Spa, A&A Beauty Supply and Creditors Interchange.

"We could not have asked for a more successful event last year, which not only helped to generate the much needed revenue for the fight against breast cancer, but also celebrated life," said Russell Hurlburt, owner of VIVA Hair & Spa and coordinator for "VIVA for Life, an Evening of Celebration."

"Breast cancer has touched so many lives in our community, and this year we hope to meet our goal of raising $50,000," said Hurlburt.

Tickets are $75 each and available at VIVA Hair & Spa, 6171 West Quaker St., Orchard Park, by calling 662-6600 or by visiting www. vivaforlife. org.

All proceeds from the event will remain in the Western New York community to assist those with breast cancer and help fund new initiatives at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.