05/01/03 - NFL HALL OF FAME QUARTERBACK, JIM KELLY AND HIS WIFE JILL TO HOST THE 6TH ANNUAL HUNTER'S HOPE SCIENTIFIC AND MEDICAL SYMPOSIUM

Ellicottville, NY- 50 families of children afflicted with Krabbe Disease and other leukodystrophies will come together to share their stories and learn the latest developments in scientific research at the 6th Annual Hunter's Hope Scientific and Medical Symposium. Lead by Jim and Jill Kelly, the Medical Symposium will bring top scientists and researchers to the Holiday Valley Conference Center in Ellicottville, NY May 14th - 18th to foster scientific progress about this still poorly understood disease.

World-renowned doctors and researchers as well as families affected by Krabbe Disease and other leukodystrophies from all over the US and Canada will attend the Symposium to discuss diagnosis, genetic counseling, transplanting, therapies, nutrition, and family support.

TIMES OF INTEREST:
Wednesday, May 14th

• 6:30pm: Welcome Dinner for all families

• 1:45pm: "Transplant Family Photo" - A gathering of all families whose Krabbe children have had the life-saving treatment of a cord blood transplant followed by a photo of all families in attendance
• 5:15: Dinner for all families

• 10am: Augusto Odone (the acclaimed Lorenzo's Oil movie is based on the story of his son Lorenzo) will be giving a brief update about his work with The Myelin Project

New this year: Hunter's Hope will be holding the 2nd Annual Laps for Life walk-a-thon during the Symposium in Ellicottville. Join the Kelly family, the Hunter's Hope Foundation, and other families affected by Krabbe Disease from across the globe as we run Laps for Life on May 17th from 11am - 1pm at the Ellicottville Central School track, rain or shine!

Laps for Life is a fundraising event Hunter's Hope holds to increase efforts in finding a cure for Krabbe Disease and other leukodystrophies. Funds are raised as walkers and runners ask friends, relatives and co-workers to sponsor them for participating in the walk-a-thon. To make the walk family oriented and open to children with special needs, the event takes place on a track for an easy short walk, or a long run. There will be prizes for corporations, individuals, and families who raise the most funds.

There will be plenty of food, music, and prizes, so grab your friends, catch some rays, get some exercise and have fun - all while raising money for a good cause. You can expect some local celebrities and personalities to stop by as well.

Hunter's Hope was established in September 1997 by Jim and Jill Kelly after their infant son, Hunter, was diagnosed with Krabbe Disease (Globoid-Cell Leukodystrophy). The Hunter's Hope Foundation is the Kelly's life-long commitment to increase public awareness of Krabbe Disease and other leukodystrophies as well as to increase the likelihood of early detection and treatment. The ultimate goal is to raise money to fund research efforts to identify new treatments, therapies, and a cure for Krabbe Disease. To date, Hunter's Hope has awarded approximately $3.5 million to leukodystrophy and other neurological disease related research. www.huntershope.org

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