Since 2008, local philanthropists Jane and Luther Lockwood, along with their daughter Jane, have led a highly successful fundraising initiative—Jeans, Genes and Geniuses—to benefit the McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research at Carolinas Medical Center, one of the leading facilities in the world dedicated to finding a cure for Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD).
Daughter Jane (of the 3 Janes) was diagnosed with the disease when she was just five years old. Since that time, her family has advocated for a cure. Gifts made to their Jeans, Genes and Geniuses fundraising events chiefly benefit a bi-annual International Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Research Conference, hosted in Charlotte. This conference brings together experts from across the globe to specifically address the latest research initiatives likely to deliver a cure for LGMD. At the 2017 Jeans, Genes & Geniuses event, funds raised of over $100,000 were presented to the laboratory for the 5th International Workshop.
The McColl-Lockwood Laboratory for Muscular Dystrophy Research focuses on developing novel therapies for muscular dystrophy, specifically limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). These diseases are caused by genetic defects (mutations) that disrupt normal muscle functions, resulting in weakening of muscle strength with fatal consequences. Currently, there is no cure or effective treatment for LGMD and DMD. The overriding goal of the Laboratory is to develop novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of the diseases. You can watch both Jane and laboratory director Dr. Lu explain goals and achievements in the video below.
This is a wonderful party & fundraising event, where everyone shares their love and support for the Lockwood family and little Jane and the research initiatives. Plus, we get to wear jeans, which makes everyone happy.
If you want to join us for the next event for Jeans, Genes & Geniuses or donate to the cause, please visit the link here.
All photos by Joanna Depart Photography
