Dine Out Night for Hope and Light Foundation

ATLANTA, Ga. — On Monday, August 9, 2010, several Virginia Highlands restaurants are bringing Dine Out Night for Hope and Light to the area for the first time. Dine out at a participating restaurant, and 10 percent of your bill will be donated to help the Hope and Light Foundation eliminate the leading genetic killer of babies and children under the age of two, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

The event is spearheaded by Renee Payne of George's Bar and Restaurant. Payne and her family first learned about this deadly genetic disorder through her friend, and founder of The Hope and Light Foundation, Stephanie Miller. Miller's six-year-old daughter, Aleena, suffers from Type I SMA, the most severe and fatal form of the disorder.

"Little Aleena has become part of our family. I love her like she is my own. This special night is one way I am trying to help her defeat SMA" said Payne.

Payne first introduced the event idea to her brother, G. G. Najour, owner of George's Restaurant. Najour was incredibly enthusiastic about the idea and encouraged his sister to reach out to other area restaurant owners in hopes of raising even more research dollars that could save Aleena's life.

SMA has been selected by the National Institutes of Health as the neurological disease closest to a treatment. The Hope and Light Foundation, based here in Atlanta, has helped fund the first FDA drug trial at Stanford University Medical Center. The organization is also raising funds for the Bassell Lab at Emory University.

"With SMA, there is both hope and urgency. Scientists understand enough about this disorder to search for a treatment, but lack of funding is the only thing standing in our way" said Miller.

Other restaurants supporting the Dine Out Night for Hope and Light include Atkins Park, Everybody's Pizza, Highland Tap and Fontaine's Oyster House. Skip's Chicago Style Dogs in Avondale Estates is also teaming up with the Virginia Highland restaurants to support the event.

About SMA: Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic motor neuron disease caused by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord. SMA rapidly destroys a child's muscle control and strength, leading to the progressive inability to walk, stand, sit up, eat, and ultimately, breathe. There are three types of childhood SMA. Type I is the most severe and most children afflicted with this form of the disease do not reach their first birthday.

About The Hope and Light Foundation: The Hope and Light Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 2004 and dedicated to finding a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The Foundation is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information about The Hope and Light Foundation, visit www.hopeandlight.org

To learn more about SMA and the Hope and Light Foundation, view this short informational video featuring Hope and Light President, Stephanie Miller:

WSBTV