A Mighty Voice Calls Out for Pediatric Disease Cure

Thisbe and Noah Scott Foundation Event speaks loudly for an unsung, yet profoundly important pediatric cause. 
When it comes to worthy causes, perhaps few are more compelling than the mission of the Thisbe and Noah Scott Foundation, which was established by John and Laurian Scott, residents of Oxford. The Scotts lost their children Thisbe and Noah, who died before ages three and two respectively, to a pediatric neuromuscular disease. For more information about the disease and to read the Scotts’ full story, go to www.thisbeandnoah.org.
Oxford’s second annual A Mighty Voice event, to raise funds for the work of the foundation, is at the Library Bar & Grill, Friday, August 15. A Patron Hour with live music by Rocket 88 and food by Chef Dan Latham, former owner of beloved Oxford restaurant L&M’s, is from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with sponsorship and patron hour opportunities still available. The Main Event follows with music by the Kudzu Kings and food from other local restaurants from 7:30 to 10 p.m. It’s all tied together by the charm of emcee Micah Ginn.
The mission of the Thisbe and Noah Scott Foundation is to promote research, awareness, and support for families with pediatric neuromuscular diseases in general and motor neuron diseases such as BVVL (Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere) in specific. PBP and BVVL syndromes are categories of Pediatric Motor Neuron Diseases (MND). This group of diseases causes motor neuron degeneration (death of motor nerve cells), which causes them to stop sending signals to the muscles, and the muscles atrophy. PBP and BVVL specifically target motor neurons within the cranial nerves and the muscles that are responsible for the basic functions of life.
Though the foundation has held fundraising events in other cities, 2013 brought the first A Mighty Voice event in Oxford in 2013.
“It was one of our biggest events to date, bringing in over $80,000, with more than 400 people in attendance,” says Executive Director Lindsay Ballew. “Our foundation has the motivation and commitment to save lives. Each person who supported this event is helping us make this happen. We are making a difference and are champions for these families when there are so few to be found.  The money raised from this event goes directly to promote research, awareness, and support for children and families affected by pediatric neuromuscular diseases.”
“Neuromuscular diseases can affect human beings at every stage of life, from infancy through old age, and they do not discriminate according to ethnicity or geography, affecting millions worldwide,” states the TNSF website. “The incidence in general has been noted to be about 1 in every 1,000 births.” Through this Friday’s event, the TNSF hopes to bring the community together to promote public awareness of pediatric neuromuscular diseases.
Tickets can be purchased at the door Friday, August 15, or before the event by emailing Amy Wilkes amywilkes28@hotmail.com or calling (662) 801-4590. General admission for the Main Event is $50, and Patron Hour (VIP) tickets are priced two for $500 (this includes the Main Event). Patrons can also donate to the TNSF through tax-deductible donations at www.thisbeandnoah.org.
— Tad Wilkes, tad.wilkes@hottytoddy.com