Miles For MJ Tailgate: Help Pave A Way To A Cure For Neurofibromatosis

"The neurofibromatoses are genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow in the nervous system. The tumors begin in the supporting cells that make up the nerves and the myelin sheath–the thin membrane that envelops and protects the nerves. These disorders cause tumors to grow on nerves and produce other abnormalities such as skin changes and bone deformities." – National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Sheanon Williams' Miles for MJ tailgate begins at 2 pm today, running through 7:15 pm at the Teber lot (across from Lot B), with the event raising money for research on, and fighting, Neurofibromatosis. The Illegitimates, The Sons of Ben, The Tammany Saints, The Corner Creeps, and The Bridge Crew came together to make the charity tailgate happen.

MJ is the brother of Hannah Whalen, who is the girlfriend of Williams, and suffers from Neurofibromatosis. Williams took up the cause of finding a cure for the disease. The Whalen family's relationship with Section 133 brought the Illegitimates to assemble the charity tailgate.

"Jeff Mitchell got together with Kristina Whalen last year and got talking," Kenny Hanson of the Illegitimates told the Brotherly Game. "133 wants to give back to the community and one thing that helped us be inspired to create the group was the community work by the Sons of Ben."

"As we got closer to the Whalen family, we learned more about NS and how their family is dealing with it and wanted to help."

To help bring attention to the cause and tailgate, Amobi Okugo, head coach Piotr Nowak and handful of other players will also appear at the tailgate, along with Punchy the Bear, the unofficial mascot of the Philadelphia Union. Plus Striker, the 1994 World Cup mascot, will be at the tailgate.

The tailgate will have raffles, including a 55 inch flat screen, hockey tickets, Eagles tickets, a ball and a jersey signed by the Philadelphia Independce, two photos by Earl Gardner: one signed by Williams, one signed by M. Farfan, gift certificates Kildares and various other items. The prodcedes will benefit Miles for MJ.

It will also feature the world's largest ever Bearfight challenge, as detailed by Jersha last week on the Brotherly Game.

Tickets are still available as walk up purchases at a price of $20 throughout the tailgate. Donations are also accepted at any point.