Inaugural “Love Cures” Event Raises Funds to Help Find a Cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Funds raised will be donated to the national nonprofit, CureDuchenne

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Feb. 28, 2019 – The inaugural “Love Cures” event recently held in San Diego at the Del Sur Ranch House raised $45,000 to help find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a devastating, progressive muscle-wasting disease affecting 15,000 boys and young men in the U.S. and 300,000 worldwide.  Funds raised will benefit CureDuchenne, a national nonprofit recognized as the global leader in research, patient care and innovation for improving and extending the lives of those with Duchenne.

“Love Cures” was conceptualized and hosted by two San Diego moms, Elena Etienne and Seda Filenko who recently met by chance through their sons, ages six and seven living with Duchenne. The women immediately connected through the love and dedication to find a cure for this rare disease. The initial diagnosis was isolating for both families, as they didn’t know anyone else with Duchenne. After meeting each other at a local Duchenne clinic, the Etiennes and Filenkos immediately decided to work together to find a cure by teaming up with CureDuchenne.

“Upon diagnosis of Duchenne all parents experience an emotional roller coaster, and we are bound together by the journey as we search for better care and, ultimately, a cure. CureDuchenne was formed in response to the precise needs of those who live with Duchenne and their families. We are so grateful for those with our same passion and commitment to helping find a cure, like Seda Filenko and Elena Etienne,” said Debra Miller, founder and CEO, CureDuchenne.

Love Cures was held at the Del Sur Ranch House in San Diego on Friday, Feb. 15.  Over 100 community residents gathered to support this mission and enjoyed food, games and live music by Turkish singer and songwriter, Noyan Karakas.

“The night was just so spectacular, and we couldn’t be more thankful to those who helped us,” said co-host, Elena Etienne.  “As an inaugural event we didn’t know what to expect, but our friends, family and the San Diego community all rallied to help us pull it off with success. We’d like to thank all our sponsors, families, friends, attendees and the team at CureDuchenne which is leading the charge in helping find a cure for our boys and others living with this disease.”

“When we learned how passionate CureDuchenne is towards research efforts, we wanted to help. That led Elena and I to create the ’Love Cures’ event to raise funds towards finding a cure,” said Seda Filenko, co-host of Love Cures. “We are so thankful for the first year’s success and look forward to continuing our support in helping find a cure.”

Food for “Love Cures” was provided by the French Gourmet and a Cork and Craft. Additional sponsors included: L’Auberge Del Mar, YogaSix, Studio Sweat, Rancho Valencia, La Boom, The Phoenician – Scottsdale, Campland on the Bay, Studio BiJou, Real Estate Agent, Kalinka Rutberg and San Diego based Attorney, Joseph Samo.

To learn more or donate to the Love Cures event, visit www.cureduchenne.org/love-cures.

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. 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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