Oct 28, 2009
American Idol Contestant to Perform And Speak At 2009 WAMS Luncheon
Karen E. Butler, Vice President of Communications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American Idol Contestant to Perform And Speak At 2009 WAMS Luncheon
HARTFORD, Conn. – Singer, songwriter and 2009 American Idol contestant David Osmond will headline this year’s NBC Connecticut Women Against MS (WAMS) Luncheon Friday, Oct. 30, at the Marriott Hartford located in downtown Hartford.
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| American Idol contestant David Osmond takes a moment to pose with 2009 Corporate Achiever honoree Lisa Breer at the Greater New Haven Women Against MS Luncheon held at the Omni Hotel in June. Osmond will both perform at speak at the Greater Hartford NBC Connecticut WAMS luncheon to be held at the Hartford Marriott Downtown Friday, Oct. 30. |
Osmond, who was diagnosed with MS several years ago, is the son of Alan Osmond, the founder of the famed troupe of singing brothers. Ironically, Alan Osmond has battled the baffling and potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis for the past 20 years.
In January, Osmond, already an accomplished singer, musician and actor, auditioned on American Idol, one of the most popular shows on American television. At the age of 18, he first started to reach fame when he became understudy for his uncle, Donny Osmond, in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The younger Osmond actually took over the role on several occasions when the elder Osmond was stricken with laryngitis. As a youth Osmond was lead singer of a family group, The Osmond Second Generation. Three singles made their debut on the Top 40 Hit Charts in the U.K., and the group played to sold-out stadiums and arenas in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
In 2005, after graduating from college, Osmond’s health began to deteriorate. He found himself unable to walk and consequently in a wheelchair for the better part of a year. He was initially diagnosed with West Nile Virus and a year later, also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. As a result of his illness, his breathing became so labored he could no longer sing and playing a guitar was out of the question.
Multiple sclerosis is a potentially debilitating autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and there currently is no cure. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, loss of mobility and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.
“I thought music was done for me,” said Osmond, who began singing at the tender age of four.
Fortunately, over time and with treatment, Osmond, 30, regained function and has been able to pursue his music career.
“I've been really blessed in so many ways,” said Osmond. “Music is my life, and I got the chance to share it once again with everyone who watches American Idol. Although my time in the pressure cooker was short lived, it still was a great opportunity for me to let people know a little more about multiple sclerosis. It has also led to a whole new array of radio and television opportunities."
Osmond is partnered with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and serves as an official ambassador and spokesperson, raising awareness and educating others on the effects of the disease. He travels the country performing and sharing his personal story of living life to the fullest in the face of the unpredictable effects of multiple sclerosis.
Osmond will both speak and perform at the Oct. 30 luncheon. Morning news anchor Anjuli Porter, NBC Connecticut HD, will serve as mistress of ceremonies. Porter joined the NBC 30 news team in June of 2007. Before coming to Connecticut, Porter served as a reporter and anchor for KVBC in Las Vegas where she contributed to numerous Emmy award-winning newscasts. Porter competed in the Miss America Scholarship Organization before graduating from Arkansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. After graduation, she completed post-graduate studies in Cuernavaca, Mexico at Cuauhnáhuac I.S.L.S. When she’s not covering the news, Porter loves singing jazz, traveling, cooking and sightseeing with her dog, Violet. This is the third year NBC Connecticut has partnered with the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter as title sponsor for its Women Against MS event.
The 2009 NBC Connecticut WAMS Luncheon will be held at noon at the Hartford Marriott Downtown on Oct. 30. Funds raised through Connecticut Chapter events, such as WAMS Luncheons, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure. These funds also provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to the more than 6,000 Connecticut residents diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Seats are limited. For more information or to reserve a seat, please contact Elizabeth Sulick at 860-913-2550, ext. 224. For more information on MS, its effects and the many ways to help, please visit, www.ctfightsMS.org.
10/5/09
Karen E. Butler
Vice President / Communications
kbutler@ctfightsMS.org
work: +1 860.714.2300, ext. 230
cell: +1 860.997.4487
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