About Terpsichore and Its History
The festivals are supported by The Linda Sirmon Foundation. The foundation was created after Litchfield resident Linda Sirmon died of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a degenerative, fatal brain disorder. Linda's husband Bill setup the foundation to raise money for research and education on the disease. The original Terpsichore grew from Linda's love of dance as a way to raise funds.

Sirmon commissioned John Henry Whitmire of Whitmire Jewelry in Pawleys Island, SC to design unique pieces of jewelry in the shape of a tear. The Last Tear represents the hope that one day "the last tear shall be shed" for a CJD patient, becauswe a cure has been found. Proceeds from the sale of the jewelry go to the foundation.

The numerous volunteers involved in the foundation include real estate professionals, interior designers and others who worked closely with Linda. Others include a Greenville, NC woman whose husband died last year of the disease (she is the inspiration for The Last Tear), and a Pawleys Island resident whose father died of CJD in 1992.

The disease is often misdiagnosed and some states are not required to report it. In one study at Yale University, researchers found 13% of Alzheimer patients were found to actually have CJD. A similar study performed at the University of Pittsburgh showed more than 5% of Alzheimer's patients were CJD victims.

This disease is now striking its victims at a younger age. A study in 1986 reported the average age of its subjects as 63. In 1996, the average age was 28. The number of persons affected by this disease is sharply rising.

Mission Statement
Linda Simon's zest for was strongly influenced by love of her community and her passion for dance; even after her diagnosis with CJD her intensity did not wane but reinforced her desire to alert her community and younger generation to know about and be informed of diseases which at this time have no known treatment or cure. She also believed that encouraging and assisting young talent to achieve their goals and furthering their art. As a result, the Linda Simon Foundation purpose is to raise money and commemorate her passion for dance.



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