# The 4th Annual Bella Bash

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/the-4th-annual-bella-bash/
- Published: 2011-10-22T09:38:05-04:00
- Author: EAN

SESAC songwriter Regie Hamm presents the 4th Annual Bella Bash at the Loveless Barn
a few nights ago. The event benefited Hammâ€™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 â€œBella Bashâ€ 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 â€œBellaâ€ suffered from a rare genetic
disorder, Angelman Syndromeâ€“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. â€œAngelsâ€ are missing a tiny piece of maternal
chromosome that renders them in need of constant care throughout life.

In honor of Bella, the â€œBella Bashâ€ 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 yearâ€™s â€œBella Bashâ€ will be earmarked specifically towards
the production and distribution of an Angelman Syndrome educational DVD targeted
to reach every pediatricianâ€™s office in the U.S.

Hamm States: _â€œI meet Angelman families all over the country whose story is similar
to that of our familyâ€™s. We went through several years without a definitive diagnosis
for Bella. The goal of the foundation and my work personally through the â€œBella
Bashâ€ 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 _

for more information [_click here_](http://www.bellabash.org/home)
