An upcoming night of comedy will be raising funds to help with research for FSH Muscular Dystrophy.
FSHD Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding research for FSH muscular dystrophy, the most prevalent of the nine muscular dystrophies. #StandUp4FSHD, which is taking place on Saturday, July 19 at the Columbia Theatre, features Vancouver-based comedian Carter Hortie and California native Dino Archie.
“We are looking forward to a successful event in New Westminster,” said Neil Camarta, founder and CEO of FSHD Canada. “Funding for FSHD is largely done through grassroots efforts of individuals who are impacted by FSH. It is remarkable how far we have come in groundbreaking research given that funding model.”
Net proceeds raised at #StandUp4FSHD will fund research for FSH Muscular Dystrophy.
According to organizers of the event, FSH Muscular Dystrophy is a muscle-wasting disease that mainly affects the facial, scapular (shoulder blade) and humeral (upper arm) muscles, but all parts of the body are affected. There’s currently no treatment for this condition, and people who have this genetic condition don’t know when or how severely muscle loss will take place.
“We have had a remarkable few years of research advances for FSHD,” Dr. Stephen Tabscott, principal investigator at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle, said in a press release. “This progress would not have been possible without community support. We now have a roadmap for developing therapies for FSHD and need to press forward to convert these opportunities into real therapies.”
#StandUp4FSHD is being held on Saturday, July 19, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show getting underway at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 (plus tax and service charges) and available online at www.thecolulmbia.ca. For more information, check out #StandUp4FSHD on Twitter or Facebook.
Military tribute
The annual Seats for Soldiers military tribute takes place at this week’s New Westminster Senior Salmonbellies games.
The pre-game activities, beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, include a military display expo featuring vehicles and equipment, a barbecue and a beer garden. Pre-game entertainment gets underway at 7 p.m. and faceoff is at 7:45 p.m., when the Bellies take on the Coquitlam Adanacs.
The fun doesn’t end at faceoff, as intermissions will feature military band entertainment, giveaways and a “grenade toss” – not to worry, no one will be injured in the night’s festivities.
The Seats for Soldiers salute to the Canadian Armed forces invites all serving and past military, veterans, cadets, Legion members and military associations to attend for free. While military personnel are invited to dress in uniforms, Legion or regimental blazers, civilians are encouraged to wear red for Canada.
Artists wanted
Fraser River Discovery Centre is accepting submissions from artists and artisans for its annual Artists on the River art market.
Artists and artisans working in all media are invited to display, demonstrate and sell their artwork along the Westminster Quay boardwalk during RiverFest, which takes place on Saturday, Sept. 27. As part of this year’s 11th annual celebration of B.C. and World Rivers Day, RiverFest features live performances from some of top groups from the Peak Performance Project 2013 and 2014, river tours aboard the MV Native paddlewheeler, interactive displays and exhibits, the second annual salmon chowder cook-off, crafts and activities for the whole family and the Lucille Johnstone workboat parade.
For more details on the criteria for artists and artisans, as well as application forms, visit www.fraserriverdiscovery.org.
Do you have an item for Around town? Send ideas to Theresa, [email protected], or find her on Twitter, @TheresaMcManus.
