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Champaign community event to help cure rare childhood disease

Champaign community event to help cure rare childhood disease

Admission is free, and donations will be accepted on-site and through a QR code available on event materials. Photo: Contributed/Alexa Colella


CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — A community event aimed at funding a groundbreaking clinical trial for a rare form of muscular dystrophy is set to take place on August 19th at 6 p.m. at Fire Doll Studios in downtown Champaign.

The event, titled “Let’s Cure LGMD2C,” is raising money for the Dion Foundation, which recently launched the first-ever U.S. clinical trial for LGMD2C—a rare and severe subtype of Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. Funds raised will go directly toward supporting the continuation of this critical research.

At the center of the effort is Charlotte, a local girl diagnosed with LGMD2C, whose story has inspired widespread community support. Organizers hope the event will bring awareness to the condition while offering a fun, family-friendly evening for a cause that hits close to home.

“This is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a chance to bring hope to Charlotte and other children battling this disease,” said Charlotte’s mom, Alexa Colella.

The evening will feature a variety of attractions, including candle making, permanent jewelry by Beyond Bonded, and giveaways from local businesses such as Yellow and Company, Circles Boutique, Elite Champaign, A Thousand Villages, Punch, Hamilton Walkers, and Faith Gabel Art.

Admission is free, and donations will be accepted on-site and through a QR code available on event materials.

To donate or learn more about the cause, visit the Dion Foundation online or attend the event in person to show support for Charlotte and others living with LGMD2C.

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