Emily Progin, Content Manager
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Release: Immediate
JAN 24 COMEDY FUNDRAISER TO HELP WITH 9-YEAR-OLD’S MEDICAL COSTS
18+ Comedy Show to Help Adrian Diaz of Ludlow & Family
EASTHAMPTON, Mass.—On Friday, January 24, laugh and come together for a cause at the second annual Comedy Fundraiser at Jupiter Club to benefit the nonprofit Help Hope Live in honor of Adrian Diaz, a Ludlow 9-year-old living with spinal muscular atrophy. Tickets are $30. Bring your own snacks and enjoy a cash bar, raffles, 50/50, and auctions as well as an 18+ adult comedy show. Extend your impact with a donation or a sponsorship of $100 or more.
Rolling with Adrian 2nd Annual Comedy Fundraiser Details
When: Friday, January 24, 2025. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m.
Where: Jupiter Club at 116 Pleasant Street, Suite 121, Easthampton, MA 01027
What: 18+ adult comedy show fundraiser. Bring your own snacks! Enjoy a cash bar, raffles, auctions, and more.
Cost: $30
Sponsor: Become a sponsor and increase your impact! $100 and up.
Buy tickets or become a sponsor: https://www.funny4funds.com/events/rolling-w-adrian-a-comedy-benefit-4-help-hope-live-in-honor-of-adrian-diaz/1404
Can’t make it? Donate! https://helphopelive.org/campaign/18898/
Adrian’s Story
Adrian Diaz, a vibrant and spirited 9-year-old boy from Ludlow, Massachusetts, has captured the hearts of the community as he bravely confronts the daily hurdles presented by spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a rare genetic disorder that affects the control of muscle movement, impacting Adrian’s ability to perform essential functions that most take for granted leaving him reliant on a wheelchair to access the world around him.
Although he may have physical limitations, Adrian wouldn’t agree. He breaks all the barriers he faces and does it with a smile on his face. Whether you have seen him on the news hosting events for Boston Children’s Hospital, catch a Miracle League of Western Massachusetts baseball game on a Sunday morning to see him whipping around the bases or spot him on the jumbotron at a UMASS Men’s Hockey game where he is an honorable member of the team thanks to an opportunity offered by Team Impact you will bear witness to his undeniable energy.
Adrian’s treatment requires frequent trips to Boston, adding an extra layer of difficulty for the Diaz family. The costs associated with these marathon days across the state are considerable, making the comedy event an essential means of support for Adrian’s ongoing care. Adrian has been receiving weekly physical and occupational therapy sessions at the NAPA Center in Waltham, MA for the past 5 years. Every 28 days he is back at Boston Children’s Hospital for another IV infusion of a clinical trial medicine that he has been lucky enough to receive since August 2019. Once every 4 months since November 2017 Adrian heads to the operating room where he receives a dose of his lifesaving drug, Spinraza.
The funds raised during this comedy event will contribute to financing Adrian’s intensive therapy sessions, a crucial component of his treatment plan. Currently capped at 30 visits a year by his insurance company, Adrian’s therapy is a lifeline for him to maintain his mobility and quality of life. However, beyond this limit, the costs escalate to an overwhelming $250 per week, placing a significant financial burden on the Diaz family.
“We are humbled by the outpouring of support from our friends and family. Adrian is the brightest light, and we are committed to ensuring he receives the care and treatment he deserves,” says Cassie, Adrian’s mother.
As Adrian grows so does his need for new equipment and adaptations to his home helping him gain independence in an environment that is accessible and safe given his physical limitations. That’s why his family turned to the trusted national nonprofit Help Hope Live for medical fundraising.
Donations can be made at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/18898/
Fundraising has already made a tangible difference in Adrian’s life since 2021. Fundraisers held in 2021 allowed Adrian’s family to fund an entire year of physical therapy and purchase a custom, lightweight motorized wheelchair that goes everywhere Adrian. Truly his most prized possession.
In the 2022-2023 school year Suffield Academy graciously fundraised for Help Hope Live to benefit Adrian throughout the school year. At the same time Adrian was unable to find comfortable positioning at night, often keeping himself and his parents awake throughout the night readjusting frequently. At the end of the school year Adrian’s parents were able to purchase an adjustable base bed that helps Adrian get a better night’s sleep and will help immensely to keep him comfortable following his hip surgery.
“Donations are making a difference in Adrian’s life and providing him with the opportunity to thrive despite the challenges he faces,” explained mom Cassandra Diaz. “Your generosity and support will contribute to a brighter and healthier future for this remarkable young boy.”
Donations to Help Hope Live are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be administered by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses. Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient.
Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $188 million to pay patient expenses. ###
