Students combat diseases with concert

Utah State University students were treated to an evening of gambling and live music, all in the name of charity Saturday night.

The Lucky Hearts Charity Event at Blue Square was held to raise money for the autoimmune disease Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Host Dane Cooper, a junior majoring in communications, held the event to raise money particularly for his mom, Kathy Cooper, who was diagnosed with the disease in June.

Cooper said she has always been a very active person throughout her life. She became sick last year while out rock climbing. She was sick for seven weeks before the doctors diagnosed her with the illness.

Cooper said the disease mistakenly attacks part of the nervous system.

“This leads to nerve inflammation that causes muscle weakness and other symptoms,” he said.

Kathy is currently being treated for the disease.

Cooper said there were 17 different businesses that donated prizes as well as private donors who sponsored the event, including Jordan Duran, a small business owner.

“I love Dane, and I love his family,” Duran said. “It is for a good cause.”

Alyssa Olsen, an undeclared freshman, said between the gambling, the live band and the dancing, the event was enjoyable.

“Fundraising parties are just the best way to get out and meet people and be a part of the community,” Olsen said.

Cooper admitted that, while the original plan was to keep the the fundraiser a secret from his mom, she found out when she came to campus last week and saw the flyers.

“It was really neat to see her see that,” Cooper said. “I just want to thank her for all she did.”

Cooper said he named the event Lucky Heart not solely as a gambling reference.

“The real meaning of “lucky heart” is we are so lucky to have our families,” he said. “My family is so tender to my heart. All of us are so lucky to have our families.”

— morgan.pratt.robinson@gmail.com