You have the opportunity this coming Sunday to do something fun that truly helps people. 

The Plunge for Patterson will see as many as want to participate in a dash into Puget Sound to raise funds for the-EB Research Partnership, a global non profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Epidermylosis Bullosa.

- WHERE: Alki Beach, Seattle, WA

- WHEN: Sunday, March 30th @10AM

- HOW TO JOIN: There is a minimum donation required to join the Alki Plunge. Plungers aged 13 and up must donate at least $25 per person to plunge. Donations can be made online in advance or at check in on March 30.

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a rare group of genetic disorders that make the skin extremely fragile, causing it to blister and tear easily, even from minor friction or injury. In severe cases, blisters can also form inside the body, such as in the mouth or esophagus. West Seattle residents Jill and Eddie Vedder have been working for years to support research. Jill said, "A family friend had a child born with EB, and the more we learned about the disease and met the community, the more we became inspired by the need to raise awareness and raise critical research dollars. We got together to see what we could do and joined together with a group of families to start EB Research Partnership (EBRP)."

This is the local West Seattle effort that's part of the larger worldwide Plunge for Elodie event.

To participate visit this page https://give.ebresearch.org/team/598540

and be sure to fill out THIS WAIVER before taking part.

Those taking part take pledges to raise money, and so far they are nearly halfway to the $600,000 overall goal.

EBRP has made significant strides since inception, raising more than $70 million to fund over 160 global research projects, innovative treatments and potential cures.

Clinical trials have grown from only two when the organization began, to now nearly 50, half of which EBRP has directly supported, including the first two FDA approved treatments in 2023. This is a major milestone given there are over 7,000 rare diseases affecting 1 in 10 people on the planet, yet 95% have no approved treatments.

EBRP is focused on continuing to accelerate more treatment approvals and will not stop until there is a cure. The types of therapeutic approaches include:

Gene Therapy: This approach targets the genetic mutations responsible for EB by introducing functional copies of the affected genes. It shows promise, especially for severe subtypes like Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB).

Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cells capable of differentiating into skin cells have demonstrated positive outcomes in preclinical and earty clinical trials. They help promote wound healing and reduce inflammation.

Tissue Engineering: Researchers are exploring engineered skin grafts that incorporate healthy genes to replace damaged skin.

Protein Replacement Therapy: This method involves replacing defective or missing proteins in the skin, aiming to restore its integrity.

Wound Care Innovations: Advanced wound care theraples are being developed to improve the quality of life for EB patients.

For a full list of the projects EBRP is supporting and to learn more about their mission, visit www.ebresearch.org

The Phoenecia Restaurant is sponsoring a plunge event on Sunday too

The fun continues at the Phoenecia Restaurant at 4717 42nd Ave SW starting at 3pm.

This is the third year Sonya and Nadia from Phoenecia have hosted a private plunging party donating their space and time along with Space B.A.R.Wellness. This year the event will have four cold plunge tubs and a portable sauna, an array of silent auction items from notable area businesses and coaching by Andrew, Space Bar Wellness owner.

Your favorite foods from Phoenecia will be served too.. Space is limited so reserve your tickets to save your spot. All proceeds from the event go to EBRP.

Here's the link to reserve your spot.