The Rock4EB event raised over $1 million for epidermolysis bullosa research, according to an article published in Variety. The annual event returned on May 6, 2023, after pausing for the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts explained that patients with the disease may experience long-lasting wounds and chronic blistering of the skin that, at its most severe, can lead to disability and early death. Patients may also have limited functionality of the hands and feet as a result of extensive scarring, and may also require frequent hospitalizations, blood transfusions, and surgeries. “[Current therapies] really focus on … treating the wounds so that [patients] … can go out, they can put their shirt on, and do things that they may never have been able to do before. But it doesn’t change how taxing the disease is on the body,” emphasized talent manager Andrea Pett-Joseph, who cofounded the Los Angeles chapter of the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation after her son was diagnosed with the disease. “It’s a very tough disease because the pain doesn’t stop. Sadly, a lot of these [patients] have passed away since we’ve known them. That’s the most heartbreaking thing,” she said.
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Hosted by Judd Apatow, the Rock4EB event saw the support of celebrities such as Courtney Cox, Kaley Cuoco, Jimmy Kimmel, Brandi Carlile, Kevin Nealon, Tiffany Hadish, Billie Lourd, Cindy Crawford, and David Spade. Ms. Pett-Joseph concluded she hopes the funding raised during the event can help contribute to improving the quality of life of patients with epidermolysis bullosa and finding a cure. |