The ballrooms of Music Road Hotel & Convention Center in Pigeon Forge will be transformed into a winter wonderland on Saturday, February 16, 2008 for Cure Finders’ Valentine Evening of Romance, “A Special Evening…A Special Cause.” The semi-formal gala features fine food and wine, outstanding entertainment, and some great surprises tucked in for a truly enchanted evening. Dancing and one-of-a-kind silent and live auctions promise to add excitement to the affair. With over 400 attendees last year, this year’s event promises to be another sellout success.

Daniel Hassett, Ph.D., a researcher and professor at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio will again attend the event to not only entertain, but update attendees on his very own promising cystic fibrosis research. As part of his visit here, Dr. Hassett will also present cystic fibrosis programs to area physicians, nurses, and therapists at Ft. Sanders Sevier, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, and the East Tennessee Medical Group on February 15, 2008.

“I continue to be humbled and amazed at the outpouring of support by our community,” says Jim Deanda, the founder of Cure Finders, the nonprofit organization which hosts the event. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic lung and digestive disease affecting the lives of more than 35,000 adults and children in the U.S., reducing life expectancy. Breathing difficulties due to thick mucus buildup, insufficient enzyme production in the pancreas, and a weakened immune system are among the symptoms. Only a decade ago, life expectancy for CF sufferers was 18 years old. Today it’s 37. More than 10 million Americans are symptomless carriers of the defective CF gene.  

“Research is the key,” says Deanda, who has two children, Callie and Cale, suffering with CF. “In the past 10 years we’ve seen incredible breakthroughs in medicines and treatments. These successes prove that life spans are increasing and that’s getting more and more people jazzed about a cure, which researchers believe is attainable. I think that’s why we continue to see more support. People find out what’s going on and want to help. There are many families in our community that need these victories.”

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