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Auction draws community support for San Diego infants with genetic diseases

Recent legislation will increase genetic testing on newborns and save lives

San Diego, Calif., 24 April 2008 –- On behalf of local partners, businesses and clients, dk hair presented the Lund family of Bonita, Calif. with over $1300 collected from the salon’s BackStage Pass and Silent Auction on 26 March. The proceeds will directly support 9-month old Gavin who suffers from a genetic disease that is slowly paralyzing his central nervous system. The auction was held to raise awareness for unscreened genetic diseases such as Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome and Krabbe Disease which have affected two San Diego families. In addition to the Lunds, a client of the salon recently lost their 8-month old infant to Krabbe Disease. The silent auction was held during the salon’s BackStage Pass event which launched the salon’s collection of spring and summer hair styles.

About genetic diseases
Grouped as Infantile Leukodystrophy, diseases such Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome (AGS) and Krabbe are genetic and progressively disrupt the central nervous system by slowing down the speed at which electrical impulses can be sent throughout the body. The result is deterioration of physical and cognitive functioning and finally death (www.ulf.com). Prenatal and newborn screening can aid in treatment and quality of life. On 8 April 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act Bill (S.1858/H.R. 3825, www.huntershope.org/S.1858.asp) which mandates that each state expand newborn screening. New York is the only state to screen for Krabbe Disease.

About the company
Located in Hillcrest, dk hair is an active supporter of local organizations such as Mama’s Kitchen, The Center, Elderhelp and others. On 26 March, co-owners David Valencia and Kenneth Bradshaw sponsored a BackStage Pass and Silent Auction to raise awareness for unscreened genetic diseases which have affected two San Diego infants. Contributions to the auction were generously received from local partners including Bumble and bumble, TRUE Cosmetics, MacCase, La Martina, Lexine Schroeder, 10 News (KGTV-TV) San Diego, Carola Eastwood, Sarah Angler, True Religion Jeans, Lovi Love Designs, Fred’s Mexican Café, Island’s Burgers and Goldie Rocks.

dk hair is located in a unique and contemporary suburb of the City of San Diego where music, art, clothing, food and lifestyle trends evolve and move the city. In 2005, dk hair was named a B&b Elite Hair Salon, signifying its ability to carry the full B&b treatment line - a rite given to less than 1% of all salons in the nation. And, in 2007, dk hair was selected by Salon Today as one of the 200th fastest growing salons in the nation. Today, dk hair continues to evolve, providing its clients with the latest color, styles and skin & body treatments within an edgy, artistic environment where individual expression is encouraged.

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Additional Information and photos of the beneficiary, the event and new summer collection of cuts and styles can be found at www.dkhair.com or by contacting Cyndi Wegerbauer at 858-442-9247.