PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. (National Marfan/ www.marfan.org) - The
National Marfan Foundation presents Aretha Franklin, a benefit concert from the heart of the
Queen of Soul, on November 14, 8 pm, at the Hammerstein Ballroom (Manhattan Center Studios, 311 West 34th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues).
Ticket prices are $500, $250 and $200 for orchestra seating and $125 and $75 for mezzanine seating. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster beginning October 9.
The concert is a benefit for the National Marfan Foundation, a non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated to saving lives and improving the quality of life of individuals and families affected by the Marfan syndrome and related disorders, which affect an estimated 200,000 American men, women and children of every race and ethnic group.
The Marfan Syndrome
The Marfan syndrome affects many organ systems, including the skeleton, lungs, eyes, heart and blood vessels. It is often, but not always, characterized by a tall stature and disproportionately long legs and arms. Other skeletal manifestations are curvature of the spine, a protruding or indented chest and loose joints. The most serious problem associated with the Marfan syndrome is its effect on the aorta, the main artery carrying blood away from the heart.
The aorta is prone to progressive enlargement, which can lead to tears in the aortic wall that require surgical repair. If aortic enlargement and tears are left undetected, the aorta may rupture, leading to sudden death. Jonathan Larson, the Tony Award-winning playwright (RENT) suffered this fate; he did not even know he had the disorder.
The life expectancy for people with the Marfan syndrome who are diagnosed and treated is now in the 70's due to advances in cardiovascular surgery, increased options in medical therapy and better diagnosis. Without a proper diagnosis and medical management, they are at risk of aortic dissection and sudden death.
For more information on the Marfan syndrome, contact the NMF at 800-8-MARFAN or visit the NMF's web site at https://www.marfan.org.
