A large crowd gathered at the Harlan Center recently to show their support for families affected by muscular dystrophy.
Local bands Harlan County Underground, Big Daddy and the Heat and the Tony Dean Family performed throughout the day. Children were treated to inflatables, donated by Party Time, during the event.
Kentucky State Police detective and Harlan County Underground band member Kenny Abner said an air-guitar contest was held where two acoustic guitars, donated by the Harlan Pawn Shop, and one electric guitar, donated by Clover Fork Gun and Pawn, were given away to the winners. T-shirts, donated by the KSP and Shirt Shack, were also given away to those attending the event.
Jessye Lowry, fundraising coordinator for the Greater Kentucky MDA Chapter, said funds raised during the event will be used in 94 counties within the state. She said there are currently 800 patients registered in these counties.
“This is the first fundraiser on this scale ever held in Harlan County,” said Lowry. “We worked with Kenny Abner and Bradley Lawson, whose son Brady has muscular dystrophy, to organize the event. We’re absolutely delighted with the participation.”
A check in the amount of $5,342.06 was presented to the MDA by firefighters from across the county who conducted a “Fill the Boot” campaign through road blocks held in different communities. Lowry said the amount also included MDA shamrocks, T-shirts and bracelets sold at local businesses, along with online donations from family and friends of the Lawson family.
“We’ll be doing this again in August,” said Bradley Lawson. “We’ll have a MDA walk in May, with details to be announced.”
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is an American organization which combats muscular dystrophy and diseases of the nervous system and muscular system and in general by funding research, providing medical and community services and educating health professionals and the general public.
Abner said the MDA is a charity close to his heart and he has participated in fundraising for the organization since he was a child. He said that is why he chose to participate in the event.
“This type of event is a great way to raise awareness in this part of the state,” said Lowry. “There are 43 different neuromuscular diseases that fall under our umbrella. There is no cure for any of them. So, anything we can do to raise awareness and research dollars to find a cure is why we are all here today.”
Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com
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