Sunday at the Cinema Raises Over $70,000 for KLS

Over 200 friends and supporters of the KLS Foundation attended a benefit for the Kleine Levin Syndrome Foundation entitled Sunday at the Cinema, on April 29, 2007.  The benefit was organized by caring friends of the Farber family, whose son had episodes of KLS for ten years, and whose daughter still struggles with the devastating effects of KLS.

The Sunday at the Cinema afternoon event began with a festive reception that included many delicious home baked treats.  The theatre was decorated with balloons, posters and handouts with information about KLS.  Following the reception the crowd was invited into the screening room for a short presentation about KLS followed by the screening of the award winning film Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter … And Spring.  Varda Farber spoke briefly about KLS describing its symptoms as long episodes of excessive sleep and short-term cognitive changes.  She explained the nature of the ongoing research being conducted through the support of the KLS Foundation, and the enormous impact the funds raised will have on the Foundation’s ability to continue to support research to find effective treatment and ultimately a cure for Kleine Levin Syndrome.

Arielle Farber gave a beautiful and poignant talk.  She shared for the first time her experience of what it has been like to live with KLS for the past thirteen years.  She spoke of the importance of having a loving and supportive family and a community of caring friends who have always stood by her and encouraged her to get back into the game of life again after every interruption due to a KLS episode.  The audience of many became one as they rose in unison to show their appreciation and admiration for a young woman who has endured much pain and isolation due to a little understood disease.

The award winning Korean cinematic fable “Spring Summer Fall Winter …And Spring” tells a story of a young monk, a small boy in the beginning of the film, as he learns lessons over the course of his life.  As the title suggests, the film’s ultimate theme is about cyclical renewal, the passion of the human spirit and learning acceptance.  As one season progresses to the next, so does the circle of life.  Universal in its theme, many parallels could be drawn with a young person’s experience struggling with KLS.

Sunday at the Cinema was a huge success.  It heightened awareness about KLS, educated and raised crucial funds for KLS research.  The community was honored to have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and families suffering from KLS.