Dr. Ian Krantz, M.D., a pediatrician and geneticist at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Perelman School of Medicine at The University of Pennyslvania, and Sarah Raible is a Genetic Counselor and Clinical Director, Center for Cornelia de Lange Syndrome & Related Diagnoses, and Senior Genetic Counselor, Division of Human Genetics at CHOP, discussed their work and the upcoming Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance benefit.  Tickets are available at the door and online now at  www.coolcarsforkids.org

They discussed genetic diagnosis, research and treatment at CHOP, the leading hospital for genetic issues, drawing families and patients from across the globe.

Developmental disorders are the leading cause of infant mortality and childhood disability and 7% of children born in the U.S. have cognitive disability and/or structural birth defect.  Conditions include visible or detectable issues such as Down Syndrome  and heart defects.  Over 400 babies are born each day in the U.S. with a congenital anomaly – and many families know before birth and seek treatment.  Other conditions do not present until a child fails to reach a milestone in development.   They described the programs and services offered and stressed the need for funding their vital research.

They spoke about Cool Cars for Kids, a non-profit they organized with legendary collector Mike Tillson, one of the country’s most highly regarded authorities on classic and sports automobiles, who founded Tillson Motorcars over 35 years ago.  Mike Tillson founded the Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance, a model for the Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance.  Supported by local high end car dealers, the event, June 14th and 15th at the Simeone Automotive Museum, will celebrate Bentley on its 100th Anniversary, as well as other rare vehicles.  In addition to the ‘Concourse’ selection, car enthusiastic may show their ‘cool’ car, cars that are rare, modified or just loved in the Corral.  Friday, June 14th will be the Gala sneak preview with Coach Dick Vermeil, whose granddaughter was treated at CHOP, attending and signing bottles of his wines.   Te following day will be the general admission family friendly Concourse and Corral. There will be kids activities throughout the day and refreshments.