By Rob Hayes
Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves was a "big giver" on Monday's Oprah Winfrey show. Paves recently co-hosted a charity event that raised $2 million for research for a rare genetic skin disease.
Imagine having to go through the pain of a blister just because your clothes are rubbing against your skin. That is what an estimated 100,000 Americans are dealing with everyday.
In an town overflowing with celebrity charity cases, some celebrities are making a case for charity by making cards for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare disorder that causes a person's skin to blister and peel with the slightest touch.
"These wonderful celebrities took their time out to create these beautiful greetings cards," said Kellie Nicholson of Grandma Gillie's Greetings. Nicholson owns Grandma Gillie.com, the Web site where the public can find purchase celebrity-made greeting cards.
"They're in pain all the time and (it) makes me want to cry, what parents go through," Nicholson said. "It's painful for them every single minute."
EB grabbed the spotlight on Oprah, and celebrity fund-raising efforts raising more than $2 million for EB research.
Andrea Pett-Joseph is the mother of one EB sufferer, 4-year-old Brandon, and is also the executive vice president of the EB Medical Research Foundation.
"It really gives us hope that we can get closer to a cure and not be discouraged by what we have to endure every day, but really see the light at the tunnel," Pett-Joseph said.
The cards are just $20 for a pack of eight, and they're starting to pop up well outside Hollywood.
"We have received orders from all over the world, from Japan, Sweden, Germany, the UK, Canada, all over the United States, Australia," Nicholson said. "And they're beautiful cards, they're cards by celebrities, cards you can give to anyone for any occasion," she added.
From Orlando Bloom's pirate heart to Natalie Portman's dog Charlie, this is a colorful way for some stars to connect the dots and come up with a cure.
Inspired by Oprah's hit show The Big Give, celebrity hairstylist guru Ken Paves has partnered with eBay.com and his celebrity friends for a charity auction featuring 60 items donated by Ken's superstar clients.
Celebrities include Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Marcia Cross, Jewel, Christina Aguilera, Victoria and David Beckham, Bette Midler, the Eagles, Jessica Simpson, Ashlee Simpson, Courteney Cox, Eva Longoria Parker, Carmen Electra.
Log on to http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=kenpaves_biggive
for additional details on the amazing auction items up for bid.
The auction was kicked off by Oprah Monday on her show and runs for the next seven days ending Monday, April 7. All proceeds go to the EB Medical Research Foundation.
For more information:
Background: Epidermolysis Bullosa is a rare, genetic disorder that causes the skin to tear and blister at a slight touch. The EBMRF is an all volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to increasing knowledge and understanding of EB and to funding research to develop improved treatments and, ultimately a cure. To order the CelEBrity card, log onto www.grandmagillie.com/EB .
For more information: www.ebkids.org .
Funnyman 