ICYMI: Phoenixville Boy With Muscular Dystrophy Paints 'Tree Of Life'

Editor’s note: originally published in the Phoenixville Patch on December 22.

By J BERRIOS

A Langhorne, PA, motorcycle dealership recently turned its showroom floor into a makeshift art studio and gallery. Brian Bentley of Brian’s Harley Davidson invited three young people living with Muscular Dystrophy to paint the “Tree of Life.”

The paintings will be auctioned during his March 2016 Black and Blue Ball to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Among the young artists was 11-year-old Lorden Joshua (L.J.) Kidon of Phoenixville, Chester County, PA. L.J. was diagnosed with Duchenne, a type of muscular dystrophy, when he was just 2 months old.

“L.J. enjoys helping the public understand his condition through events like these,” says his mother Erica Kidon. “He loves the attention, but more importantly, I know raising money helps us get closer to finding a cure for him.”

L.J. copes with his condition with medication and the aid of a motorized chair; but his disease is terminal and there is no cure.

Bentley is hoping to inspire other businesses to get involved by donating goods and services to auction at his benefit this spring.

Brian’s Harley Davidson already received a few gifts, including a pair of $1,000 diamond earrings. Doylestown Gold Exchange and Jewelers will hide the single pair of expensive earrings among 50 glasses of wine, 49 of which will contain identical $30 cubic zirconia earrings.

“We hope when businesses like this are considering their end-of-year charitable-giving for tax deductions, they’ll consider supporting these kids,” says Bentley.

To donate items for auction, or provide a financial sponsorship, visit www.phlblacknblue.org, or call 215-752-9400.

Open to the public on Saturday, March 19, the cocktail and dinner charity ball features live and silent auctions, a DJ dance party, and performance by Motivational Speaker and Comedian, Brett Leake. Leake was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in 1991. Cost is $130 per person. Proceeds benefit MDA.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.