Several members of the team, including Derrek Lee, Ryan Theriot, Ryan Dempster, Mark DaRosa and Bobby Howry, will sign autographs for fans who donate to Project 3000, project3000.org. That's a charity founded by Derrek Lee which raises money for Lebers Congenital Amaurosis; Derrek's daughter has been diagnosed with LCA, an inherited form of blindness.
All merchandise at Madison & Friends and the Denim Lounge will be discounted 20 percent on the day of the Cubs' event. Madison & Friends is offering a limited number of VIP accommodations are available for fans who wish to avoid the long lines; call 312-642-6403 for more information or visit madisonandfriends.com and project3000.org.
ABOUT PROJECT 3000
Lebers Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) is an inherited form of blindness. Derrek Lee's daughter was diagnosed with this condition.
Many individuals affected with LCA have been told that there is nothing that can be done to improve/restore their vision. Project 3000 aims to provide hope to the 3000 individuals with LCA.
Project 3000 is helping doctors to identify each genetic subtype of LCA, which will give newly diagnosed individuals and their families more accurate information about what to expect.
The genes responsible for about one third of LCA cases remain to be discovered. Scientists believe that by gathering samples from the hundreds of individuals affected by LCA whose genes have not yet been discovered, that they will be much more likely to find all of the remaining ones. Project 3000 seeks to identify as many individuals as possible with each genetic subtype.
Project 3000 hopes to demonstrate the value of genetic testing to doctors and insurance companies across the country. As a result, genetic testing will become part of the "standard of care" for LCA in the United States.
What is Leber Congenital Amarosis?
Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is an inherited retinal degenerative disease characterized by severe loss of vision at birth. A variety of other eye-related abnormalities including roving eye movements, deep-set eyes, and sensitivity to bright light also occur with this disease.
What are the symptoms?
Individuals with LCA have very reduced vision at birth. Within an infant's first few months of life, parents usually notice a lack of visual responsiveness and unusual roving eye movements. Eye examinations of infants with LCA reveal normal appearing retinas. By early adolescence, various changes in the retinas of patients with LCA become readily apparent.
Visual acuity in patients with LCA is usually limited to the level of counting fingers or detecting hand motions or bright lights. Some patients are also extremely sensitive to light (photophobia). Patients with remaining vision are often extremely farsighted.
Is it an inherited disease?
LCA is most typically passed when both parents, called carriers, have one gene for the disease paired with one normal gene. Each of their children has a 25 percent chance (or 1 chance in 4) of inheriting the two LCA genes (one from each parent) needed to cause the disorder. Carriers are unaffected because they have only one copy of the gene. At this time, it is impossible to determine who is a carrier for LCA until after the birth of an affected child.
What treatment is available?
Scientists have identified 14 genes with mutations that can each cause LCA. These genes account for approximately 75 percent of all cases of LCA. With this information, scientists are better equipped to develop preventions and treatments. Clinical trials of gene replacement therapy for LCA are now beginning. Some individuals with LCA, who have remaining vision, may also benefit from the use of low-vision aids, including electronic, computer-based and optical aids.
Cubs Wives Fundraiser
Saturday, August 2
4:30pm – 6:00pm
43 E. Oak St.
Chicago
312-642-6403
CUBS WIVES ANNOUNCE ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE
The Chicago Cubs and Chicago Cubs wives will once again fight hunger as they host the fifth annual Food Drive at Wrigley Field on Saturday, September 1. Proceeds benefit the Lakeview Pantry. The event has helped raise more than 40,000 pounds of food and more than $11,000 since its inception in 2003.
Donations will be accepted next to the Harry Caray statue outside Wrigley Field's Gate D at the corner of Sheffield Avenue and Addison Street from 10 a.m. until the third inning. Fans making a donation of 10 non-perishable food items or $20 will receive a 5x7 autographed photo of a Cubs player. Limit of two photos per person while supplies last. Photos will be distributed on a random basis and are not exchangeable.
"The Cubs Wives' food drive is an essential component in Lakeview Pantry's ability to get food to those in need in our community," said Gary Garland, executive director of Lakeview Pantry. "Not only is it our largest annual food drive, but it comes in late summer when many other sources of food are becoming scarce. We are proud to partner with the Chicago Cubs in helping to meet the nutritional needs of our neighbors who struggle to secure food for themselves and their families."
Fans are encouraged to bring items such as canned tuna, canned pastas, cereal or oatmeal, coffee, peanut butter, jelly, canned stews and meats, soup, canned and packaged fruits and vegetables.
"We are especially grateful for the work of the Chicago Cubs wives who contribute their time and energy to make this food drive a success," said Mike Lufrano, Cubs' Senior Vice President of Community Affairs. "Helping those in need in our community is an important part of our commitment to participate in and strengthen the lives of those around us."
The Lakeview Pantry distributes more than 1,000,000 pounds of food annually to approximately 25,000 individuals. The Pantry also provides home delivery service for the homebound, distributes free clothing and offers a case management program to assist in obtaining services such as housing and employment. The pantry is the Greater Chicago Food Depository's fifth largest distributor of food and a model for all emergency food sites in the City of Chicago. Cubs Care has supported the Lakeview Pantry for the past 16 years.
KERRY WOOD STRIKE ZONE CELEBRITY BOWLING TOURNAMENT
An official on deck circle from Wrigley Field autographed by the 2008 Chicago Cubs team, tops the list of unique sport and luxury items to be auctioned for charity during the Kerry Wood Strike Zone Celebrity Bowling Tournament, slated for Wednesday, August 6 at 10pin bowling lounge and the adjoining Hotel Sax, located at 330 N. State St. in Chicago. The autographed on deck circle is just one of the many unique items now available for online bidding at kerrywoodstrikezone.com. All proceeds from the auction will go the Organic School Project, a local organization concerned with childhood health and nutrition.
Want to spend a few hours with John Cusack? Bid on "15 Minutes of Fame: Go to a Cubs game with Cubs consummate fan, John Cusack." Other items available for bid include: bat boy/bat girl for a day (2009 season); a ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field (2009 season); a "W" flag that flies at Wrigley after a Cubs win signed by the whole team; and memorabilia from throughout major league baseball.
The online auction is now available to everyone worldwide and will carry-over to the tournament. The bidding for the online auction will close at midnight on Tuesday, August 5 and carry over live to the event where online bidders will be represented by proxy. Online bidders will be notified of their winning bids on Thursday, August 7.
The 5th Annual Kerry Wood's Strike Zone Celebrity Bowling Tournament will feature most of the players on the Cubs' current roster, as well as retired players and local media celebrities. Cubs play-by-play broadcaster, Len Kasper will serve as emcees for the evening's activities.
Each of the 24 corporate-sponsored teams will have a celebrity team captain. In addition to participating in the event as bowlers, other players will be featured as bartenders. The Organic School Project (OSP), a Chicago-based not-for-profit, was chosen by the Woods to be the 2008 tournament beneficiary. For more information on OSP, visit www.organicschoolproject.com.
For information call (212) 784-6450 or visit kerrywoodstrikezone.com
