Tennis Legend Mats Wilander and debra of America Hold Tennis Pro-Am during 2013 US Open to Benefit Children with Rare Genetic Disorder

Be Part of the Cure for "Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) – The Worst Disease You've Never Heard Of.™"

NEW YORK, Aug. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Inaugural Mats Wilander Foundation Tennis Pro-Am benefiting debra of America will be held Wednesday, August 28 from 8:30 A.M. to 2 P.M. at the legendary 100-year-old West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, Queens, New York.  West Side Tennis Club was the former site of the US Open Tennis Championships for over six decades.  The event is open to tennis fans of all ages and experience levels.  The $250 Player Pass ticket benefits debra of America, the only national nonprofit dedicated to funding research for treatments and a cure, while providing supportive services and programs for those who suffer from the rare and painful genetic disorder, "Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) – The Worst Disease You've Never Heard Of.™"  Register at debra.org/benefits

Player Pass Ticket includes:

• Play with Mats Wilander, Former #1 Tennis Player in the World & International Tennis Hall of Fame Member
• Hit with Former & Current Tennis Pros on 3 Court Surfaces
• Instructional Clinics, Competition Drills & Round-Robins
• A Professional Exhibition Match
• Continental Breakfast and Barbecue Lunch with Beer, Wine & Cocktails

Past celebrity and professional players supporting debra of America include: Leslie Allen, James Blake, Thomas Blake, Jim Courier, Honorable David Dinkins, Will Ferrell, David Graham, Cameron Lickle, John McEnroe, Patrick McEnroe, Yannick Noah, Karel Novácek, Jared Palmer, Mikael Pernfors and Christy Turlington.

ABOUT EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA (EB)
Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder.  There are many genetic and symptomatic variations of EB, but all share the prominent symptom of extremely fragile skin that blisters and tears from minor friction or trauma.  Internal organs and bodily systems can also be seriously affected by the disease.  EB is always painful, is often pervasive and debilitating, and is in some cases lethal before the age of 30.   EB affects 1 out of every 20,000 live births and those born with it are often called 'Butterfly Children' because as the analogy goes, their skin is as fragile as the wings of a butterfly.  There is no treatment or cure.  Daily wound care, pain management and protective bandaging are the only options available.  Learn more at debra.org

ABOUT THE MW FOUNDATION
SAVE IT. SEND IT. SHARE IT. are the ideals that the MW Foundation stands for, not only while on a tennis court but for everyday life.  Mats Wilander started the Foundation in association with Wilander on Wheels, when his 15-year-old son, Erik, was born with a mild form of Epidermolysis Bullosa.  Mats has been instrumental in helping debra of America raise awareness for Epidermolysis Bullosa and funds for research and the supportive services and programs.

ABOUT DEBRA OF AMERICA
The Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America was founded in 1980 and is the only national nonprofit dedicated to funding research for treatments and a cure, while providing supportive services and programs for those who suffer from the rare and painful genetic disorder, "Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) – The Worst Disease You've Never Heard Of.™" 

TITLE SPONSOR
Mölnlycke Health Care
SILVER SPONSOR
National Rehab
BRONZE SPONSOR
Hollister Wound Care

MORE INFORMATION
Website: debra.org/benefits
Facebook: facebook.com/debraofamerica
Twitter: twitter.com/debraofamerica

CONTACT FOR PRESS COVERAGE:
Casey Fitzpatrick, Events & Communications Director: 212-868-1573, [email protected]

SOURCE debra of America