Champions to CureDuchenne Magical Night Under the Stars Raises Over $400,000 for Research to Find Cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

NEWPORT BEACH, CA (April 24, 2019) —  Austin’s finest recently came together for Champions to CureDuchenne, an annual charity event that benefits CureDuchenne, a national nonprofit that funds research to find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most devastating and lethal muscular disease in children. One in every 5,000 boys will be diagnosed with Duchenne. Boys are usually diagnosed by the age of 5, in a wheelchair by 12, and most don’t survive their mid-20’s. Duchenne knows no ethnic or social boundaries. 

 Champions to CureDuchenne started 10 years ago when Austinites Tim and Laura Revell learned that their two sons had Duchenne.

 “We had never heard of Duchenne until our boys at ages 2 and 5 were diagnosed.  It was devastating to say the least, but our faith kept us strong and motivated us to do everything we could in our power to help find a cure, said Tim Revell.”  We had never been involved in a fundraiser before, but with the help of Mac Brown and CureDuchenne, the stars aligned and Champions to CureDuchenne was born.”

 Mack Brown, the legendary football coach of the Texas Longhorns, was in the midst of his Hall of Fame career when the Revell’s left information about Champions to CureDuchenne with his assistant. After reviewing, his wife, Sally, reached out to learn more about our story, and together we formed the idea for a gala-style event.

 Mack felt a connection to Duchenne because the young men he coaches, who are physical specimens and the picture of health at 20 or 21 years old, are around the same age as Duchenne patients who are in a state of deteriorating health. That resonated with him so strongly that he and Sally supported the first three Champions and helped us spread a message of hope.

 To date, Champions to CureDuchenne has raised nearly $2.5 million for groundbreaking research working towards a cure for Duchenne. One initiative the event supported in the past is research into gene-editing therapy at Exonics Therapeutics, based at UT Southwestern. Dr. Eric Olson has led very promising studies that represent one of the best hopes for a cure.

 “The community in Austin has been amazing in supporting our mission to fund a cure for Duchenne and we are incredibly grateful.  Each and every dollar raised brings us one step closer to a cure and thanks to the Revell’s fundraising efforts we are now closer than ever before,” said Debra Miller, CEO and Founder, CureDuchenne.

 For the first time in Champions to CureDuchenne history, Altrua HealthShare participated with a $100,000 gift that was used as a match to inspire guests to give. 

 “I have personally known the Revell family for years and their story has had a big impact on us.  As a nonprofit company ourselves, our members appreciate the fact that we give back to the community where funds are needed most.  Duchenne is one area where we know we can make a significant impact by helping to fund promising science that will lead to a cure,” said Randall Lee Sluder, CEO, Atlrua HealthShare.

 Champions to CureDuchenne event committee members include: Patty Armstrong, Janet Bates, Swell Cihal, Christal Fitzpatrick, Denyse Peterson, Tammy Marshall, Tim and Laura Revell, Venus Strawn, and Keri Wootton.  Sponsors for the 2019 event include: Fired Up Charity Foundation, the event’s presenting sponsor for five years, H-E-B Tournament of Champions, Altrua HealthShare, Fringe Benefit Group, Revenew, Diamonds Direct, and Five Stone Tax Advisors.

 About CureDuchenne:

CureDuchenne is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Duchenne, the most common and lethal form of muscular dystrophy, and to supporting the Duchenne community with education and resources.  As the leading genetic killer of young boys, Duchenne affects more than 300,000 boys living today. CureDuchenne has garnered international attention for its efforts to raise funds and awareness for Duchenne through venture philanthropy. For more information on how to help raise awareness and funds needed for research, please visit www.cureduchenne.org.

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