A message from John Geddert…
Two of our Twistars Former athletes have embarked on a wonderful adventure. Katie and Allie Dama (and brother Andy) were part of the Twistars program for nearly 20 years. Allie and Katie both encountered some very serious health issues (almost died serious) but being the fighters that they are came out the other side stronger and more determined than ever. In an effort to raise awareness for some of these lesser known diseases and to help find an answer through research, they founded the Life as a Zebra Foundation. This project is dear to me not only due to witnessing the scary and painful struggles of my former athletes but also because one of these monstrous diseases (Vasculitis) claimed the life of my baby sister Ashley in 1993.
Life as a Zebra Foundation is a local foundation that has gone national, started by Katie Dama Jaskolski and Allie Dama. Katie and Allie began the foundation after both sisters were diagnosed with their own rare, hard to diagnose, chronic illnesses. The foundation works to raise awareness and funds for research for various invisible illnesses.
Life as a Zebra Foundation has a big benefit concert coming up on April 12, 2014 at Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center in East Lansing. The benefit concert will feature co-headliners, Tony Lucca as seen on NBC’s The Voice and Bostonian singer-songwriter, Chris Trapper, of the band, The Push Stars. The event will also include a gala before the concert which includes a silent auction and hosted beer, wine, and food. Doors open at 6. Funds raised will benefit Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Dysautonomia, and Vasculitis awareness and research.
The foundation is looking for individuals or businesses who are willing to sponsor the event! If interested, please contact Katie at [email protected]. Twistars USA is a major sponsor to this event. Silent auction donations are also needed.
It would also be so special to see as many people from the Twistars family at the event. This will be a fun filled evening as anyone who knows the Dama’s can attest (they know how to throw a party). To purchase tickets or make a tax-deductible donation to the cause, please visit the foundation’s website at www.ZebraNation.org.
