On July 23rd the Nashville team brought 61 people together and raised over $600 for Osteogenesis Imperfecta aka “brittle bone disease.” There isn’t a cure for OI yet and most people aren’t even aware of its existence.
Jeff Black, IDR’s personal trainer and friend says, “This is what awareness does! It brings together 61 people of which 48 had zero clue what Osteogenesis Imperfecta was or that it even existed! Now if the rule of numbers is true: 48 people will each tell roughly 20 people about OI, what it is and what they did tonight to help raise money for it. That’s potentially 960 people who could/would know about OI.”
With the help of Jeff and NextLevel Strength and Conditioning, IDR hosted a boot camp where people of all ages and fitness levels came to celebrate their health and strong bones. The event had a special guest, two year old Ryker who was born with a rare and severe recessive form of OI listed as Type 8. There are only 5 recorded type 8’s in the USA. Though he may have brittle bones, he has a warrior heart and loads of personality! He was a great support and inspired all attendees to push through the tough workout.
Giving back is part of IDR’s mission and this fundraiser was nothing short of special to us. Jeff, who was diagnosed with OI is a member of the OI community and will be taking all the money to the OI Foundation’s National Conference in Indianapolis later this week.
Thank you for all those who came out and supported the OIF, Jeff and individuals like Ryker. You made a positive difference just by being there!
Click here for more information on Osteogenesis Imperfecta.
Click here for more information on Ryker.