DebRA of America hosts the 12th Annual Mats Wilander Celebrity Tennis & Golf Classic

The Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America and all-time tennis greats Mats Wilander and John McEnroe and other celebrities have joined forces to participate in the 12th Annual Mats Wilander Celebrity Tennis & Golf Classic presented by Molnlycke Health Care.

All proceeds from the event will support DebRA of America’s programs and services and help to fund the search for a cure for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB); a rare, painful and incurable genetic skin disease that affects more than 30,000 Americans - mostly children.

The Mats Wilander Celebrity Tennis and Golf Classic began 12 years ago when former Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander and his wife, Sonya, learned that their young son, Erik, had EB Simplex. Their efforts in establishing and growing the event have enabled DebRA to expand its programs and services and increase funding for research toward a cure.

On October 18, 2010 DebRA will honor Babe Rizzuto, Vice President of Public Relations, Conair and Spirit Award recipient Corinne Meirowitz. The Spirit Award is given to a patient who possesses great courage and strength in the face of Epidermolysis Bullosa. Though only one recipient is chosen annually all EB patients exemplify the courage and strength of the Spirit Award recipient. Guests will turn out this October not only to help raise money for DebRA but to honor the spirit of endurance of all who suffer with EB.

The day begins at 9:00 am with the pros playing a few rounds of tennis with guests, then moving on to the links for 18 holes of golf. A highlight of the morning is an exhibition match at 10:30 am between McEnroe and Wilander. After a full day of tennis and golf, the evening festivities kick off with a cocktail reception and silent auction and ends with a live auction, dinner, music and dancing.

Says Executive Director, Mary Sprague, "DebRA is such a worthy cause and we are committed to funding EB research for improved treatments and the search for a cure. We are also committed to providing programs that improve the quality of life for those affected by this painful and devastating disease."

For more information about the event or to make reservations, please call 212-868-1573 or visit www.DebRA.org.

About Dystrophic Epidermolysis Research Association of America
Founded more than 30 years ago, DebRA of America is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to research and providing supportive services to Epidermolysis Bullosa patients and their families. There is no cure for Epidermolysis Bullosa and the only treatment is daily wound care, bandaging and pain management. DebRA’s programs and services include an EB Nurse Educator, Family Crisis Fund, Wound Care Clearing House, and a New Family Advocate Program. To learn more about DebRA and Epidermolysis Bullosa, please visit www.DebRA.org or join us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/DebRAofamerica.

CONTACT:
Ro-Ann Rabanillo
Development Assistant
Phone: 212-868-1573
Fax: 212-868-9296
Email: Events@Debra.org