You may remember a recent Maven article that cited Ilyce for having won the Diet Rite "Zero Boundaries Woman" contest for her amazing work on behalf of children with Canavan disease. She was nominated by her mother. Both women received $25,000 from Diet Rite for "living life without boundaries." Both mother and daughter donated their award money to Canavan Research Illinois in honor of Ilyce's son, Max, who suffers from the disease. The women will continue to fund the cutting edge medical research that offers all children battling Canavan disease their only hope of life.

A proclamation issued by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White encourages citizens to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities to raise awareness and improve the quality of life of those who are battling this dread Jewish genetic disease, which is fatal to the majority of victims before their 10th birthday.

The 8th Annual Canavan Charity Ball will be held Saturday night, Oct. 21 at the Renaissance Hotel in Northbrook. The evening will feature dining, dancing and a silent auction.

For more information, call Canavan Research Illinois at (800) 833-2194 or visit www.canavanresearch.org or www.savingmax.com.