Announcement
Greetings everyone from Sellersville and the 21st Annual Fall Classic. For the past decade the Fall Classic has done something to benefit the local community beyond softball. For the past two years monies have gone to the MPS Society. This year will be no different from the past two. We are supporting the MPS Society – a nation wide but little known organization. The reason for this support is that this hits very close to home for Sellersville Belles Gold Manager and Fall Classic Tournament Director Paul Koehler and his family. Coach K lost his nephew Ryan Mask to Sanfilippo Syndrome (one of 9 MPS/ML disorders) on January 12, 2008. Ryan was an avid baseball and softball fan, and he would frequently attend and cheer for the Sellersville Belles. It is maybe no coincidence that the MPS Society displays a PURPLE RIBBON.
Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) is a rare, degenerative genetic disorder caused by the body’s inability to produce specific enzymes. Normally, the body uses enzymes to break down and recycle materials in cells. In individuals with MPS and related diseases, the missing or insufficient enzyme prevents the proper recycling process, resulting in the storage of materials in virtually every cell of the body. As a result, cells do not perform properly and may cause progressive damage throughout the body, including the heart, bones, joints, respiratory system and central nervous system. While the disease may not be apparent at birth, signs and symptoms develop with age as more cells become damaged by the accumulation of cell materials. The average life expectance is early adolescence.
Although there is currently no cure for MPS or related diseases, research is making great strides. Carrier detection, the development of replacement enzymes, and the possibility of gene therapy, are among today’s research themes and treatment options. Bone marrow transplantation has been considered successful for many, though relatively few individuals qualify for this high-risk procedure. We’ve made major advancements in research thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Society and its members. Since 1975 the Society has supported individuals and families affected with MPS and related diseases. We are governed by a member-elected volunteer Board of Directors, many of whom are parents of children with MPS and related diseases. We benefit from the expertise of a Scientific Advisory Board, comprised of world-class physicians, researchers and medical professionals throughout the world. We need your support in helping us teach our mission to others and raising the money we need to support medical research – the key to longer, happier lives with MPS.
Your support during this tournament is very much appreciated. From each entry fee, $25 will be donated to the MPS Society in Ryan’s name. Also, $5 from every tournament t-shirt will be donated to the MPS Society. All proceeds from the Swing For Courage Home Run Derby will be given as well. We are happy your team has entered.
Now you can do two other things:
1. Buy a tournament t-shirt
2. Enter the Swing For Courage Home Run Derby.
See you in Sellersville!!
