World Cafe Live Teams Up with CHOP

Justin Solonynka has been performing his virtuosic piano blend of "Jazzical Fusion Pop 'n' Roll" for audiences throughout the greater Philadelphia area for the last ten years. He'll be performing at the World Cafe Live, Friday, April 13, 2007, at 7:30PM. Now this isn't just any performance, this is specifically for The Key of Hope benefit.

World Cafe Live is teaming up with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to find a cure for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The press release states, "Top scientists at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) will receive over $100,000 to advance their groundbreaking research in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) following the premiere Key to Hope benefit concert. In a tremendous outpouring of support, local and national pharmaceutical companies, as well as hundreds of citizens from the Philadelphia community, have come together to make life better for the thousands of children who suffer from IBD."

It continues, "Inflammatory bowel disease refers to both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions that cause damage to different areas of the digestive tract. As many as 2 million Americans suffer from IBD, and most cases are diagnosed before the age of 30. IBD has become one of the most significant chronic diseases affecting children and adolescents today."

This benefit concert has a special meaning for me since I have Crohn's disease, as well as my two older brothers. I watched my older brother become incapacitated in the sixth grade from this disease. This was at a time when very little was known about this disease. It took over six months to finally diagnose him with the correct disease. He was tossed between doctors with no hope. He was bed-ridden and taken to Stanford Children's Hospital where they finally diagnosed him with Crohn's disease. It thrills me to know that there is a possibility of a cure in the future.

The money raised from The Key to Hope Concert will fund a pioneering research study designed to help scientists at CHOP understand the genetics of IBD. In recent weeks there has been significant breakthroughs that will have a serious impact on the disease. 100% of the ticket sales will go directly to CHOP, which will then directly impact the life of thousands of children worldwide.

If you can't make the concert tomorrow night, but would still like to donate to this foundation, please make donations out to "CHOP/IBD" and mail to:

The Children's Hospital Foundation
34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4399
Attn: Maureen Mason

Justin Solonynka in Concert: A Benefit to Support Pediatric Research in IBD at CHOP
Friday, April 13, 2007
Showtime 7:30 PM
Doors 6:00PM
(VIP Doors 5:00PM)

Get Tickets:
General Admission Seating (Doors open at 6:00PM):
$30.00 + $4 processing fee
$20.00 + $4 processing fee for Students with Valid ID

VIP Seating on the Mezzanine - Includes dinner and pre-show entertainment (Doors open at 5:00PM):
$150.00 + $4 processing fee

Image Credit: Flickr user Borderline Amazing