A dinner and live auction to fund research for Friedreich's ataxia will take place on March 7 at the Crystal Ballroom in downtown Portland.
The rare, degenerative neuromuscular disorder afflicts about 1 in 50,000 people, including Sam Bridgman, a beloved University of Portland graduate and former athlete who was diagnosed with the condition when he was 15.
He was featured in a 2012 Oregonian article about how the UP campus has supported him through the challenges of his condition.
Bridgman, who graduated in May 2013 with a degree in finance, is now 23 and works at WDC Properties in Portland.
Read More: University of Portland graduate Sam Bridgman to speak at fundraiser for rare disease