May 18, 2006

Newport Beach, Calif. -

Head Coach John Elders is participating in a fundraiser Saturday to support the Noelle Hermes Foundation. This foundation was created by his good friends Gus and Suzy Hermes after their daughter was born with a rare condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). EB is a condition in which the skin is very fragile and it blisters and tears very easily including in the throat. Someone afflicted with EB is constantly dealing with open sores that are susceptible to infections. Many have to eat through a feeding tube directly to the stomach.

The fundraiser is called the "Amazing Race for the Cure of EB" and is at Newport Dunes Aquaatic Park in Newport Beach, starting at 9 a.m. It is modeled after the TV show of a similar name and he will be on a team participating in different events throughout the day. Information about the event and how to make a donation can be found at Hermes Foundation