The Adelaide Football Club is partnering with an international charity to raise awareness and funds for a life-threatening disease affecting children from birth.
The Crows will use their Round 16 home game against Melbourne to support the EB Research Partnership in the hope of helping to find a cure.
Epidermolysis Bullosa, or EB as its commonly known, attacks the body’s largest organ – the skin – as well as the connective tissue and internal organs.
People suffering from the disease lack the critical proteins that bind the skin’s two layers together, meaning the skin tears, blisters and shears off leading to severe pain and disfigurement.
Everyday activities like eating, sleeping, walking and playing can result in fear and pain.
The EB Research Partnership will have a match-day presence during Adelaide’s clash with the Demons at Adelaide Oval on July 2 and Members and supporters will have the opportunity donate to the cause.
There will also be a special edition of the Crows Show, hosted by injured captain Rory Sloane and featuring international stars from the entertainment industry, broadcast on Channel 7 Adelaide in the lead-up to the game.
EB Research Partnership was founded by a dedicated group of parents set out to save their children’s lives, along with Jill and Eddie Vedder from American rock band, Pearl Jam.
Crows CEO Tim Silvers said the Club had been inspired to play a part in helping the fight against the disease.
“We were taken by the passion and values of the EB Research Partnership and the mission they are on to find a cure for this traumatic and devastating disease,” Silvers said.
“People and families who are impacted by the disease are battling this every day, they do not get a break from it, and we admire their courage.
“Currently there is no cure and we are hoping to help, even if only in a small way, to help them try to find one.”
EB Research Partnership CEO Michael Hund said he was grateful for the Crows joining the foundation’s worldwide team of supporters, as they strive to accelerate treatments and the search for a cure.
“Children that battle this disease each day inspire our mission because of their bravery, determination and heroism, and these are the same characteristics we have found among those at the Adelaide Football Club,” Hund said.
“Our mission is to cure EB by 2030 by funding the most impactful and innovative science in the world, including research being done at the University of South Australia, and thanks to the support of the Crows we can put speed and urgency in that mission.”
To learn more about EB Research Partnership’s mission and to get involved, visit https://ebresearch.org.au/
