To many Stephen Moyer fans charity is no stranger. The Brentwood Theatre in Essex (UK) received thousands of dollars in donations made by fans in honor of the theatre’s patron Stephen Moyer.
This past week True Blood fans have again begun to pool together for a very worthy charity:
The Choroideremia Research Foundation.
Choroideremia is a degenerative hereditary eye disease that attacks the peripheral vision and slowly erodes it over time until total blindness.
One might ask what the connection is between True Blood and the Choroideremia Research Foundation. The answer is simply, his name is EJ Scott and he and several of his family members are affected by Choroideremia. EJ is the boyfriend of Deborah Ann Woll.
In an interview I did with Deborah earlier this year she talked about EJ :”He has a rare eye disease called Choroideremia, which is causing him to slowly go blind. He is so courageous and proactive about preparing for this inevitability in the face of something so scary, I can only be awed by his strength and commitment.”
Deborah and EJ
Besides his eye condition EJ has another problem: overweight caused by a crappy diet. The idea is to combine the two: losing weight for charity. You can sponsor EJ for every pound of weight that he loses and donate that money directly to The Choroideremia Research Foundation by Paypal, check or wire transfer (tax deductible for US residents). No amount is too small. For example if you sponsor EJ for 25c per lb and he reaches his goal of 60 lbs weight lose, your total donation will be $15.
For more information read EJ’s blog “Losing weight for charity and myself” or visit his Facebook page or The Choroideremia Research Foundation website.
Even though there is a little playful rivalry between the book fans and the show fans, between the Bill fans and the Eric fans, when it comes down to it we are all fans of True Blood and we support the show and it’s actors, let’s show that support by pooling together for such a worthy cause as the fight against Choroideremia.
I think this is a great idea and so glad you are publicizing this wonderful cause. I am donating and wish EJ the very best!
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So many of us are donating to this wonderful cause. You can do it EJ!
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One day at a time EJ. I am one of the Billsbabes sponsors. God bless you EJ we know you can do it!
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I am donating as well and hope that others will be inspired by his story and find it in their hearts to help his cause. We are cheering you on every day EJ. We know you and Deborah are of strong heart and mind and will make an impact on the research for this disease. Take care and God Bless!
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I’m delighted to add my donation to this worthwhile endeavor. Go get ‘em, EJ! But please remember – fish, chicken, veggies are good things! Ok, I’m done mothering now.
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Very inspiring indeed… Glad to help out in whatever way possible. Even if it’s only $$.
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Awesome! I am more than happy to donate to such an important cause! You guys are such a lovely couple!
Love and Health to all, Stevie34 (a Billsbabe)
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I am one of the Founders of the Webring and Billsbabes and I am donating to this wonderful foundation.
Keep up the good work EJ! It may take a bit of time but we know you can do it and we are here to cheerlead you thru to the finish.
Remember – everything in moderation – food/drink/excerise even losing weight. Try treadmill, stationary bike and free weights – nothing to stressful.
We will follow your progress and when you think you cannot take it anymore – come to the board – we will be here for you. You’ve got a wonderful girlfriend there in Deborah and now you have about 36 more ! We are all pulling for you – you are an inspiration !
M
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MyBabyBill Reply:
July 11th, 2009 at 14:29
Well said.
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I’m happy to help out on this, just take it one day at a time and don’t get frustrated, you can do it.
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I am a Billsbabe too and am thrilled to donate to your cause! I love the fact that I am donating per pound! I hope you lose a ton (not really, but as close as you want to come to it!) Best of luck to you EJ. We are all rootin for ya.
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Wow! I’m really touched by the support and kind words. This was Deb’s idea. I mean she thought it might help by sponsoring me per pound then I decided to open it up to everyone and direct the money to the foundation. I’m up to $52.20/lb that I know of.
It’s hard going blind and hard losing weight. I’m really thankful for everyone’s help. Thank you.
Much Love.
EJ
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I’m more than happy to donate to this great cause. A mix of cardio and weight training at the gym is good for any weight loss program.(OK- that’s my tip for the day!) We are all rooting for you! Best of luck EJ!
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Aaah EJ!! I am going to assume you have the help of either a PT/FI and the knowledge of a Nutritionist. As a billsbabe I am supporting you 100% and as a human well….. get up on that fitness horse and ride!! You might fall off but you just have to get back on again!! It will not be easy you know that, but, through your trials you will give others the willpower to give it a shot! We babes will be following you and we will encourage you if you need it. YOU CAN DO THIS!!
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Amazing! Shad, I can’t believe you posted this! I am so touched! I’m glad Ej wrote as well, but I just wanted to personally add my gratitude. This is such an incredible gesture. Let the world know that the Billsbabes and True Blood fans are the most generous, kind and giving people. Thank you from the bottom on my heart for supporting the most important person in the world to me. You are all heroes.
Deepest thanks and love,
Deborah Ann
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I started a thread a few months ago on our site, called Get Svelt for Bill. While the the name of the thread was goofy, the idea worked. Many of us (including me) dropped some lbs. with the support of our fellow Billsbabes. EJ, we all wish you the best of luck with this, and you know you have our full support. Keep us posted. We respect what you’re doing and are glad to help out however we can.
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I’m a Billsbabe and supporting EJ in his cause. EJ, I wish you the best of luck and know that you can do it. You have us all backing you. Anytime you need a push, let us know. We are here for you.
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What a wonderful cause to support! I am happily donating and wish EJ the best.
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I am happy to help…I’m already active in my daughter’s fight with Autism (and she IS winning), and THIS is another cause worth fighting for :D
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This is a wonderful cause to support. I can understand where EJ is coming from with his struggle with weight loss because that is my struggle as well but due to Diabetes. I have to loose weight so I can keep my condition in check (loss of eye sight is also at risk for my condition) My heart goes out to EJ for all that he is going through. I will make a donation as well.
Peace, Love and Blessings to EJ and Deborah Ann
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Best of luck to you, EJ! We’re all cheering for you. I’ll have to research choroideremia a bit, I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never heard of it. My grandfather has macular degeneration, which leads to blindness as well, and it is SO emotionally taxing. Kudos to you for working towards a cure and making a difference! And glad to see you have wonderful support from loved ones like Deb :)
Much love to you both!
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These two kids, Deborah and EJ must make their parents extremely proud. They seem like great kids – and I say kids because I’m old enough to be their mother. LOL ! ( But I won’t admit that in public! LOL )
We are cheering you along in your efforts EJ ! God Bless.
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I’m EJ’s sister and I just wanted to thank Deborah, Shadaliza and all of the people out there supporting Choroideremia. Our family is deeply touched. I have a 4 year old son who has CHM and my 8 month old son has yet to be tested. My boys look up to their Uncle as he has been such a courageous example. I’m proud of EJ for his dual battle against CHM and food. I know he can beat both! Of course we will be donating.
Thanks again to everyone for all of your kindness and sincerity.
Kristen (Scott) Ging
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Shadaliza Reply:
July 12th, 2009 at 17:46
It is our pleasure, Kristen. I wish your family all the best of luck and I hope that our pennies will make a difference in the battle against CHM.
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Hi everyone, I am EJ’s mom. I am so thankful to all of you for your inspiring comments and generous donations. It was such a great idea that Deborah had to sponsor EJ in order to inspire him to lose weight. Then, EJ took it a step further to get donations for CHM. It truly warms my heart to know there are such wonderful people willing to help my family. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
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I’ve learned over the years that fans can be some of the nicest people with the biggest hearts you will ever meet. Makes me proud to be a Billsbabe. Good Luck EJ Know that we’re routing for you and your family.
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Go EJ! We are your cheerleaders…
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Hi EJ,
Just checking it with a big supportive hug for you!
I am keeping you, your nephew, and entire family in my prayers.
I am so proud of you for putting your health as your #1 priority.
Wishing you and Deb a wonderful summer vacation. You’ve earned it!
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