Dear Friends,  

A little over three years ago, we first learned of the possibility that Daria's mother, Guzel Abdoullina, was living with Multiple Sclerosis. In disbelief she went from doctor to doctor, hoping that something else was causing this numbness, and heretofore unknown difficulty in walking. She would occasionally find specialists who would name it as something else, though it seemed that those who called the condition something other than MS were looking either to brighten her mood or to placate themselves into believing that a cure for the malady was within easier reach. Since her initial diagnosis, Guzel's condition has not worsened, though alas, it has not improved either.  

That spring, not long after we learned of Guzel's initial diagnosis, we learned that fellow teacher Joanna Rauscher's husband, Bill Rauscher, was essentially bound to a wheelchair from Multiple Sclerosis. Joanna invited us (Daria and Bill) to join her team in the 2006 MS Walk, a large-scale fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. The same fall, Bill continued his MS support by participating in his first MS-175 mile City-to-Shore Bike Ride, where the enthusiasm for raising awareness and funds was phenomenal. We walked again, and Bill biked again, but we felt that we could also support this research through what we already did best.  

While every performer in this series is a wonderful artist, as you will soon see at each concert you attend, we can happily call each musician a good friend and a good person. They all volunteer their time and talents for the simple joy of making great music, and to help with a cause they all find not only kind and useful, but necessary. We invite you to join us in this remarkable series of blossoming talent, and to enjoy each and every concert to the fullest.  

Bill & Daria