TAKING NOTES:

A recurring topic in this column is the status of CureDuchenne, a group started by a local mom, Debra Miller, as a way to find a cure for the particular strain of muscular dystrophy with which her son has been diagnosed.

I reported in January about a breakthrough in this disease by the Netherlands drug company Prosensa.

Prosensa’s breakthrough treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy was largely made possible through a $1.3-million grant from Miller’s nonprofit group.

I continue to keep tabs on her efforts largely because I admire the heck out of her.

As a father of three, including a young son (Duchenne afflicts only boys), I cheer for Miller every day.

I want her to win this battle and save her son and others from this dreaded disease that basically ravages the muscles of young boys as they enter their teenage years.

So why am I bringing this up again?

Well, obviously $1.3 million isn’t all that is needed to whip this disease, as even more money has been doled out to other research groups. So those of you who also feel like I do can help in a big way by attending the annual CureDuchenne gala Oct. 25 at the Balboa Bay Club.

Miller promises that it will be a fun night for all involved, and from what she told me, she’s not kidding.

The event will feature live music by Jerry Velasco and the Sentimentalists and a performance by a new teen group, Runway MMC. There will be dinner, dancing, a blackjack tournament and a live and silent auction with some amazing prizes.

We’re talking Super Bowl tickets, a Montage Spa package, a Napa wine country getaway by private jet, backstage passes to Jimmy Kimmel’s TV show, a Zamboni ride at a Ducks game, lunch at the Disney Animation Studios, five nights at the Westin Cancun and a super secret prize that let’s just say would make any young teen girl the envy of all her friends.

The money raised will continue to go straight toward research for a cure to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Total fundraising for the group has hit the $5-million mark, and Saturday’s event will move the needle more.

To make a reservation for the event, which goes from 6:30 p.m. to midnight, go to www.Cureduchenne.org. So go have fun and help save the lives of some boys in the process.

For those of you who attended or watched last night’s candidate debate at Costa Mesa City Hall, I thank you.

I also wanted to take a moment to thank all of the candidates for their participation both in the debate and in the campaign itself.

Running for office can be a grueling ordeal, and they should be commended for taking that step.

I also wanted to thank Chamber President Ed Fawcett and his staff for making the event happen, OC Metro Publisher Steve Churm for moderating the debate, and last but not least, chamber Chairwoman Ann Stawicki, who helped me write and ask the questions of the candidates. She’s a true gem, and the Costa Mesa chamber is lucky to have her talents and energy.

Speaking of elections, don’t forget to check out our special Elections ’08 report in Sunday’s Daily Pilot, which will feature our endorsements for both the Costa Mesa and Newport Beach city council races.

As always, I’d love to hear your feedback.

TONY DODERO is the director of news and online for the Daily Pilot. He can be reached at (714) 966-4608 or via e-mail at [email protected].