‘Dance for Dravet’ for DSF Research Set for Oct. 14

The event, which will honor Dravet patient Anna Odlaug, has raised more than $134K so far

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by Mary Chapman |

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The 4th annual Dance for Dravet will be presented Oct. 14 in St. Louis, Missouri to support the research of the Dravet Syndrome Foundation (DSF) to find better therapies for this type of epilepsy which is characterized by prolonged seizures.

The event, which will be held at the Third Degree Glass Factory, is in honor of Anna Odlaug, who lives with Dravet syndrome. Her family, along with the Brennan family of title sponsor McKelvey Homes, will host the fundraiser, which has raised more than $787,000 since 2019. About $134,370 has been raised so far.

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“I want to help Anna and the other children suffering from Dravet syndrome,” Jim Brennan, event co-chair, and McKelvey Homes president, said in a press release. “I’ve seen firsthand at the Odlaug house the demanding and specific care that Anna requires. There’s never a break for the parents and they never know when a seizure will occur.

“Let’s raise some money for research at the 4th Annual Dance for Dravet and feel good knowing we made a difference in the lives of those suffering from this disease. Your donation will have a direct impact for those children suffering from Dravet syndrome and their families,” Brennan said.

The affair will include a cocktail hour, buffet dinner, silent and live auctions, live music, and dancing. Individual tickets are $150 and available sponsorships range from $1,500 to $25,000.

“We are so thankful to our St. Louis-based family and friends and others for their support of mission of DSF through their participation in this event,” Ted Odlaug, event co-chair, DSF board member, and Anna’s grandfather, said. “My son Andrew and his wife, Kim, like all parents with a child with Dravet syndrome, have to fight every day for Anna. The work of DSF provides them with additional support, research for better treatments, and hopefully one day a cure.”

In addition to seizures, Anna, who turns 5 next month, has experienced developmental delays and autism characteristics, and has problems with speech, balance, and sleep.

Last year was our most successful Dance for Dravet and we hope this year we will once again exceed our expectations,” Brennan said. “The entire Brennan Family was so appreciative of the generosity of everyone to help try and find a cure for this terrible disease. We are excited about this year’s event on Oct. 14th.”