SESAC songwriter Regie Hamm presents the 4th Annual Bella Bash at the Loveless Barn a few nights ago. The event benefited Hamm’s Angel Wings Foundation, which raises awareness and funds for children suffering from Angelman Syndrome and other rare neuro-genetic disorders. Pitching in for the effort was Amy Grant, Bob Carlisle, The Martins and Gary Mule Deer.
The story behind the “Bella Bash†is a very personal one. In 2003, Regie Hamm and his wife Yolanda flew to China to adopt their first child, Isabella Xin Meng Hamm. Unknown to them at the time, baby “Bella†suffered from a rare genetic disorder, Angelman Syndrome–a neuro-genetic disorder that occurs in approximately 1 in 15,000 live births and is often mis-diagnosed as cerebral palsy or autism. Characteristics of AS include: developmental delays, lack of speech, seizures, and walking and balance disorders. “Angels†are missing a tiny piece of maternal chromosome that renders them in need of constant care throughout life.
In honor of Bella, the “Bella Bash†was established in 2008 as a evening of music dedicated to raising much needed funds and awareness of Angelman Syndrome and the myriad of rare mental disorders still in the shadows and often mis-diagnosed.
Proceeds of this year’s “Bella Bash†will be earmarked specifically towards the production and distribution of an Angelman Syndrome educational DVD targeted to reach every pediatrician’s office in the U.S.
Hamm States: “I meet Angelman families all over the country whose story is similar to that of our family’s. We went through several years without a definitive diagnosis for Bella. The goal of the foundation and my work personally through the “Bella Bash†is to raise funds that will allow us to increase awareness and help the quality of life for these amazing families and their children.â€Â
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