By: Chiara Morrow
Chiara.morrow@birminghamal.gov
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no it’s actually Birmingham City Councilor’s jumping out of a plane! At least that will be the case Councilor Valerie Abbott and Councilor Kim Rafferty jumped for a cause that benefitted CDKL5, a devastating rare neurological disorder that affects thousands of children worldwide. The dive took place early Saturday morning September 27th at the Cullman airport.
“We are jumping for a worthy cause, all while setting the pace for our citizens and children to stand up to their fears,” Councilor Rafferty said. “Hopefully taking this stand will be the start of something new in our communities.”
Dustin Chandler, the event organizer and a catalyst in the Carly’s Law State Legislation, is leading the councilors in his efforts to fight for his 3-year-old daughter Carly Chandler, who suffers from debilitating seizures and developmental challenges caused by the disease.
Why skydive? Chandler has partnered with Skydive Alabama who will donate proceeds to CDKL5 research for every person skydiving at a cost of $199. Chandler created the first skydive charity event last year. With much success, he decided this year to petition the Birmingham City Council to get on board.
“We do need to bring awareness to these rare childhood diseases because they don’t get much attention,” Councilor Abbott said. “I’m looking forward to it, I’ve got a few butterflies in my stomach but I figure it’ll be fun, and best of all, it’s for a good cause.”
For more information on how you can donate to this great cause log on to www.know5.org.
