The Greensboro Aquatic Center (GAC) will serve as one of several locations across the country as a site for the 8th annual ‘Plunge for Elodie’ fundraiser on Saturday, March 15.
Since its inception, the Plunge for Elodie has evolved from a small hometown fundraiser into a global movement to raise awareness and funds for the life-threatening rare genetic skin disorder, Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). This year marks a groundbreaking year for the Plunge for Elodie with more than 21 events across six countries with a fundraising goal of $600,000, which would help the movement’s fundraising total surpass $3M raised for life-saving EB research since 2018.
The plunge at the GAC is being held in honor of Brooks Kendrick, a five-year-old Greensboro boy who also has this skin disorder. Brooks has a milder subtype of EB but there is no “good EB” and the disease affects his life on a daily basis.
The Plunge for Elodie was created by 10 childhood friends of Elodie’s mom, EBRP Board Member Emily Kubik. Elodie was born in 2016 with a severe form of EB. She is one of 500,000 people around the world suffering from EB and faces a life expectancy of just 30 years. Children with EB are called “Butterfly Children” because their skin is as fragile as the wings of a butterfly. They face severe pain, open external and internal wounds, and a grueling daily bandaging process.
Individuals can participate in the plunge from 12 – 1 p.m. on Saturday at the GAC. The event is free and open to all ages. A group jump is planned for 12:15 p.m. Donations are encouraged and can be made in person or online prior to or following the event.
Please visit the Plunge for Elodie website for more information and to make a donation.