By Tim Saunders on
Scott Baio will celebrate his 50th birthday this month, and is holding a special charity party to mark the occasion.
The Red Carpet Charity Event will take place at the Beverly Garland Hotel on September 26, with all proceeds benefiting the Bailey Baio Angel Foundation, an organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by an Organic Acidemia and to heighten awareness on the importance of expanded newborn screening and its availability and necessity for every newborn.
“As many of you have heard, our family went through a horrifying experience early on in the life of our beautiful daughter, Bailey,” says Scott. "Within days of her birth, Bailey tested “positive” for a metabolic disorder known as “G-A 1”. For the first ten weeks of her life, we lived a nightmare founded in overwhelming love that we felt for this gorgeous little Angel who had graced our life, combined with a level of fear, grief, and pain that we had never before experienced in our lives.
“As it turned out, our prayer for a miracle was answered as Bailey’s final round of tests came back showing that the first tests had been ‘false positives’. Our little Angel was healthy, we were beyond lucky and more than grateful for the prospect of a healthy future together as a family.
“As we went through our journey that very long 10 weeks, we discovered that other people are not so blessed. When Bailey was given the all-clear after our initial feelings of joy, we realized clearly that we must not forget those whose miracles were not granted – and that we were obligated by our blessings to try to help others whose lives are being deeply affected by this family of illnesses.
“We realized as well that the living hell we had endured during that short period of time is nothing compared to the families that actually have children with some type of metabolic disorder and the difficulties they face with every day that passes.
“[The mission of our charity] is trifold:
“To immediately and effectively heighten awareness on the importance of expanded newborn screening and its availability and necessity for every newborn. Through this testing, when a child is diagnosed with a disorder, steps can be taken immediately to mitigate the problems that go along with these diseases;
“To create, promote and facilitate legislation which will mandate this expanded newborn screening for all fifty states; and
“To raise funds through promotional activities and sales to support children and families affected with GA1 and other OA’s (organic acidemia metabolic disorders) through the creation of provisional support programs, including food, vitamin and emotional support efforts. With the costs of all these important areas of treatment so exorbitant, it is imperative that insurance companies supply these families with supplements and support they need to live relatively normal lives.
“A big challenge, and a large task, yes. But with your help, as we work together to accomplish these goals, many lives will be changed and our reward will be in seeing those changes, and knowing that we took one of the most horrifying experiences of our life, and used it to make their lives and experiences much more joyful.
“That is our hope and vision. We invite you to join us.”
The event will feature entertainment from The Young and The Restless’ Jerry Douglas and comedian Adam Hunter. Celebrity guest expected to attend include Garry Marshall, Josie Davis, Christopher Atkins, Thomas Calabro, Mario Bosco, Tracey Gold, Lorna Scott, Cindy Guyer, Eileen Davidson, Chuy from Chelsea Lately and many more. For more information and tickets, click here.
Copyright © 2010 Look to the Stars
