From the Bench with Francis: An Interview with the Man that Discovered the Treacher Collins Gene

From the Bench with Francis

A regular column on craniofacial news and technology by Dr. Francis Smith.

Dr. Francis Smith sits down with Dr. Michael Dixon of the University of Manchester, United Kingdom. He discovered the Treacher Collins syndrome gene (TCOF1). The interview was conducted on October 19th at the University of Manchester and focuses on Dr. Dixon's pioneering research that led to the discovery of the gene and why this research matters so much to those born with TCS. 

Enjoy!

Share Why You Give! for Our #GivingTuesday Social Media Campaign

Help us gear up for #GivingTuesday! Tell us why you give to CCA in the comments below or on the CCA Facebook page, add the hashtag #GivingTuesdayCCA, and we will feature your story in the weeks to come.

RISE NYC Cher-tastic Event Raises $4400 for CCA Kids

Cher enthusiasts descended on Rise Bar in New York City to raise money for CCA kids, enjoy performances by Chad MIchaels, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Candi Stratton, Miss Trans USA 2019, and bid on silent auction items during the first week of November 2018. Thanks to ticket sales and silent auction items CCA raised $4,400 at this one-of-a-kind event.

Scott Guzzo and Paula Guzzo,
CCA Ambassadors

This diehard group of Cher fans were headed on a cruise together but not before giving back to our kids. The night began with some drinks and dancing at the bar surrounded by the bright lights of the city and Cher fans from around the world.. Later Chad Michaels sang a few Cher tunes complete with a number of elaborate costume changes just as the diva herself would do. Next Candi Stratton performed for the crowd stepping out into the audience to dance and interact with everyone in the club. To close out the performances, parent, former CCA board member, Paula Guzzo, spoke about the impact that CCA had on her family after the birth of their son Scott Guzzo 34 year ago. Scott was the CCA ambassador for the Cher Crewz that departed the next day.

Many talented and generous people were kind enough to donate items to the silent auction. Artist and friend of CCA, Scott Clarke donated a number of his Cher-related artworks. A signed Cher T-Shirt, poster, backstage passes and a hotel stay at Hilton’s Millenium New York Downtown hotel were all ripe for the bidding during the evening’s festivities.

CCA is grateful to Rise Bar NYC and Ralph Martinelli of R and R Travel for including us as benefactors of this event. Many thanks also go out to Scott Guzzo and his family for representing CCA as ambassadors in the best possible way.We love you all!  

L-R Robert Ryan, Chad Michaels, Ralph Martinelli, and Candi Stratton

#ThankfulThursday: Harlem Wizards Give Free Tickets to Texas CCA Kids!

Many, many thank yous go out to the Harlem Wizards. We were so grateful for your free tickets to the Saturday, October 27th game in Dallas, TX. These pictures speak a thousand words about how much fun everyone had at the basketball game. 

Halloween may have been last night, but the tricks and treats started last Saturday for these CCA Kids. The Harlem Wizards are a show basketball team with an inspiring motto "your smile is our victory." They travel all over the country performing basketball games filled with stunts, dances, and incredible shots. Some of the players have also played with the Harlem Globetrotters. 

Thank you so much for bringing some smiles and victory to our kids faces. We hope to see you in Texas again next year.

If you are interested in taking in a game near you, please check their schedule on their website.  

Spotlight On Local Resources: Best Buddies International, Ohio

(Third from Left) Ely Potter 

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit that helps build community and accessibility for all people. Their commitment to one-to-one friendship, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental differences is well known and supported around the country. 

Please consider attending the Columbus, Ohio event on November 10th to find support on a local level for your family. Head out on November 10th to celebrate Best Buddies in Winchester, OH, for their Friendship Walk. Our friend, and budding writer, Ely Potter and his family will be there for the event. Enjoy the day together, learn more about the organization that gave the Potters so much love and confidence. Learn more at this website.

If you live in another state, please visit the Best Buddies website to find a local chapter near you. The resources this organization provides could be life changing and life affirming.