Community Corner

Go 'Racing for a Cure' at Lehigh Valley Grand Prix

Third annual kart racing event in Allentown raises money for Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy.

 

Here’s a chance to get in a race-car and drive for those who can’t do it themselves. Lehigh Valley Grand Prix is hosting its third annual “Racing for a Cure” from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today.

All proceeds will go to Beyond Labels & Limitations, a non-profit organization that raises awareness and funds research to help find a cure for Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy.

“This event was created through a partnership with John Graybill of Bethlehem, a dedicated indoor karting enthusiast who suffers from Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy,” said Michael McCreary, partner, Lehigh Valley Grand Prix. “Unfortunately, the disease has prevented John from getting in a kart recently. Hopefully, through supporting Beyond Labels & Limitations, we can help find a cure and get him back on the track.”

Graybill, 34, was diagnosed with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy at 17. Progressive muscle weakness caused by protein deficiency is the main symptom of this disease. Since Graybill’s diagnosis, his ability to partake in physical activity has become increasingly limited. Once a dedicated customer at Lehigh Valley Grand Prix, he has been unable to race over the past three years.

“My buddies would lift me in and out of the kart and we would make up all these contraptions to keep my legs on the gas and brake pads,” said Graybill. “I wasn’t very competitive, but I was still able to go out and race. As time went on, it became more and more of a hazard for me to be out there racing so I had to give it up, but I wish I could get back on the track with my friends and race again.”

Tickets to Racing For a Cure are $25 per person at the door. The event includes a three-hour endurance race, live music, drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Photo opportunities with Playboy model Kelly Brook will also be available for a $10 donation. All proceeds from the event benefit Beyond Labels & Limitations. Racing for a Cure has contributed $9,000 in donations the past two years.

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Beyond Labels & Limitations was founded by John Graybill II and his parents, John and Kathy Graybill, in September 2007. The organization has a singular goal - find a cure for Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2A within the next ten years. They plan on accomplishing this goal through fundraising events, public speaking appearances and generous donations from desire-driven people who wish to assist in putting an end to Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2A, and more broadly, Muscular Dystrophy.

Ninety percent of all funds received on behalf of Beyond Labels & Limitations will benefit research exclusively for Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2A with remaining funds going toward the cost of maintaining the organization. To learn more, visit www.beyondlabelslimitations.com.

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