Newton Independent
Zane Hussmann of Newton has been invited to be one of the guests of honor at an A-T Children's Project fund raiser next month hosted by Olympic triathelete Hunter Kemper at the Meredith Corporation headquarters in downtown Des Moines.
The event, slated from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9 at 1716 Locust St., will feature a screening of the documentary "Feat," endurance runner Tim Borland's coast-to-coast extraordinary feat of running 63 marathons in 63 days to raise awareness of the orphan disease A-T (ataxia-telangiectasia).
Kemper, a three-time Olympian, is also actively involved in the A-T Children's Project fund raising efforts to find a cure for the fatal genetic disease.
"Two years ago I became involved with A-T Children's Project after meeting the Veldink family," Kemper notes. "The Veldinks also have two daughters, Kate and Olivia, that suffer from A-T. In January 2007, I raced the Disney Half Marathon in support of the A-T Children's Project for the first time. My life was changed that weekend after meeting all the amazing families that struggle with this rare disease every day. It has become a passion of mine to help find a cure for this horrible disease."
A reception with appetizers, a silent auction and prize giveaways will precede the screening of the documentary and will be followed by a question and answer session with Kemper. The event is open to the public with tickets on sale for $20. Tickets to the event may be purchased online until Nov. 7 by following this link. All proceeds go to the A-T Children's Project www.atcp.org
A-T is characterized by progressive weakening of the immune system, nervous system and other bodily systems. A-T children typically develop difficulty walking, problems with balance, abnormal eye movement and slurred speech, as well as susceptibility to lung infections and increased risk of cancers, especially leukemia and lymphoma. The life expectancy of an A-T child is significantly reduced.
Two sisters from the Des Moines area, Paige and Alex Champion, are also scheduled guest of honor attendees.
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