Softball tourney for CdLS today
Published 10:27 pm Friday, April 27, 2012
If you’re looking for something to do today to support a worthy cause, head out to Virginia Beach for the Arzillo Industries Invitational.
The 14-team softball tournament will play all day long to benefit the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation, which supports families who have children with the condition.
“The only way they can raise money is through donations as well as charity events,” said Julie Arzillo, whose 18-year-old son Steven has the syndrome. “We decided to do a softball tournament last year and decided to make it an annual event.”
Cornelia de Lange Syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs in about 1 in 10,000 live births. It causes a range of physical, cognitive and medical challenges. Common medical issues include gastrointestinal problems, heart defects, seizures, vision problems and hearing loss. About a quarter of patients have partial joining of the toes or missing arms, forearms or fingers. Behavioral and communication issues and developmental delays often exist.
Prominent facial features often exist, including thin eyebrows that meet in the middle, long eyelashes, short upturned nose, thin downturned lips and other features.
Arzillo, who owns Suffolk-based Arzillo Industries with her husband James, said the tournament raised $2,400 last year. They’re trying to beat that this year.
“We’re growing every year,” she said.
The tournament also will include a 50/50 raffle and boxed lunches from Firehouse Subs available. It will be held at City View Park, located at 2073 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach.
For more information on CdLS, visit www.cdlsusa.org.