Foundation For Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics Announces Sixth Annual Celebrity Packed "Evening With The Stars" Gala

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Nov. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST) is proud to announce its sixth annual "Evening with the Stars" Gala. The event will be held the evening of December 6^th, 2014 at the Chicago Hyatt Regency Hotel. In addition to the Gala, FAST will offer a two-day science summit on Friday, December 5^th and Saturday, December 6^th  highlighting the latest research on treatments and a cure for Angelman Syndrome (AS), details on next human clinical trial and best practices for enhancing the lives of individuals with AS. Visit www.CureAngelman.org, to view more details on the upcoming AS clinical trial.

The Science Summit includes a seminar on an upcoming clinical trial of a small molecule compound to treat the symptoms of AS.  The seminar will be presented by Dr. Matthew During, professor of Molecular Virology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Neuroscience and Neurosurgery at Ohio State University. Other seminars during the summit will focus on seizure treatments in AS, updates on the advances of the FAST FIRE Initiative (FAST Integrative Research Environment), which consists of four renowned researchers collaborating to fast track treatments for AS, new animal models for AS research and a literacy and communication in AS workshop.

Speakers include Dr. Douglas Nordli, Division Head at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago; Dr. Anne Anderson, Associate Professor at Baylor College and Medical Director at Texas Children's Hospital; Dr. Edwin Weeber, Professor at University of South Florida; Dr. David Segal, Associate Director at UC Davis Genome Center and Associate Professor at School of Medicine, M.I.N.D. Institute; Dr. Scott Dindot, Associate Professor at Texas A&M University; Dr. Jorge Piedrahita, Professor of Genomics at North Carolina State University and Dr. Caroline Musselwhite, CCC-SLP, Literacy and Assistive Technology Specialist.

The summit concludes with a star-studded, fundraising Gala. This one of a kind event kicks off with a celebrity meet and greet followed by a cocktail reception, four-course dinner, dancing and silent auction. Celebrities attending include long-time supporter, critically acclaimed actor, Golden Globe winner and fellow father of a child with AS, Colin Farrell; critically acclaimed actor Jai Courtney and actress and comedienne Retta. This magical evening provides AS parents, families and friends an opportunity to celebrate and savor in the hope that the future for their children holds.

Paula Evans, FAST Chairperson and Founder stated, "FAST is thrilled to continue our efforts in supporting the Angelman Syndrome community with funding ground breaking research and bringing the community together for a much needed and anticipated night of celebration and hope for the future. FAST is an all-volunteer organization, which allows all proceeds from the evening to go directly towards funding treatments and a cure for Angelman Syndrome. We are enormously grateful to our sponsors, supporters and amazing AS families around the globe who have all contributed to the recent and amazing advancements in AS research".

The FAST Summit & Gala is only made possible with the support of its corporate sponsors: Vivint Gives Back; unite4:good; Union Pacific; MCCI Group and Silver Lining Entertainment.

In addition to its financial support, Vivint's philanthropic arm, Vivint Gives Back, has taken its innovation to the next level by developing a security and smart home system created specifically for families of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Vivint Gives Back focuses on simplifying home life for families of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The organization embodies its cause by providing discounted installations to these families (with a target of 10,000 systems); creating custom technology to assist those with intellectual disabilities; and building unique sensory rooms in homes and schools throughout North America. The charitable efforts of Vivint Gives Back are made possible by employee donations of more than $2 million and 40,000 volunteer hours in 2014.

"Vivint Gives Back is proud to sponsor the upcoming Evening with the Stars Gala," said Holly Mero-Bench, Director of Vivint Gives Back. "Our organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life for families of individuals with intellectual disabilities, and it is an honor to further our commitment to this initiative together with FAST."

"Our mission focuses on empowering individuals and organizations who are positively impacting others, and the FAST Summit & Gala is a perfect example of how both innovation and awareness are vital in making a sustainable difference," said Anthony Melikhov, Founder of unite4:good. "We are proud to be a part of this event because it will not only highlight the plight, treatments and solutions for families currently living with Angelman Syndrome, but will also help us work towards finding a cure."

About Angelman Syndrome
Angelman Syndrome is a severe neurological disorder characterized by profound developmental delays, epilepsy, and problems with motor coordination (ataxia) and balance. Individuals with AS do not develop functional speech. The seizure disorder in individuals with Angelman Syndrome can be difficult to treat. Feeding disorders in infancy are common, and some persist throughout childhood. Sleeping difficulties are commonly noted in individuals with Angelman Syndrome. AS affects all races and both genders equally and occurs in approximately one in 10,000 to 15,000 births.  For more information about Angelman Syndrome, please visit www.CureAngelman.org.

About FAST
FAST is a Section 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization narrowly focused on funding research that holds the greatest promise of treating Angelman Syndrome. To learn more about FAST's mission and funding priorities, or to make a donation towards FAST's research program visit www.CureAngelman.org.

About Vivint
Vivint is a leading provider of smart home technology. The company delivers services through a cloud-based platform that integrates a wide range of wireless features and components to provide simple, affordable home security, energy management and home automation. Vivint's Home Automation package and Advanced Security package have received the Consumers Digest "Best Buy" rating. Dedicated to redefining the home experience with intelligent products and services, Vivint supports more than 800,000 customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.vivint.com.

About unite4:good
unite4:good is a groundbreaking new movement to inspire and empower positive, global change through acts of kindness. Through empowering action, creating new programs, and uniting both individuals and organizations in innovative ways--we will inspire positive and lasting change on a global scale. Unite4:good will encourage everyone to inspire, empower, share and love. For more information, visit www.unite4good.org.

SOURCE Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST)