Dr. Ian Krantz, pediatrician and geneticist  at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and former NFL Superbowl winning Coach Dick Vermeil discussed their charity, Cool Cars for Kids and the 4th annual fundraiser the Concours d’Elegance and  at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia, PA on Saturday July 17th.  The event raises funds to help children born with rare genetic diagnoses and supports research that will identify the best possible treatments.   Dr pointed out that rare diseases aren’t that rare – there are 7,000 rare diagnoses so far,  combined they affect 1 in 11 of us, 25-30 million people in the United States and over 400 babies are born each day in the U.S. with a congenital anomaly.   As over 80% of ‘rare’ disease are genetic, research into identification, causes and possible treatments are vital.   Cool carsa for Kids also seeks to drive awareness of rare diseases, Coach Vermeil dsicussed his interest in the cause, his granddaughter Amy was diagnosed with a genetic defect shortly after her birth 28 years ago.  He attributes her gains and quality of life to early diagnosis, something many families struggle to receive.    We discussed the event itself, a day of family fun and activities, centered around the world-class rare show cars participating in the Concours,  the ‘Cool Car Corral’ for beloed local classics and the Simeon collection of rare racecars.  Admission gets you into the museum and the activities, including Coach Vermiel smapling and signing bottles from his vineyards.    Coach Vermeil will host an exclusive remote wine-tasting of his wines the evening before with food baskets and wine delivered to particpants homes.  At the top patron level membership in his wine club is included.

For more information visit coolcarsforkids.org