Breanna Coleman, 23, co-chair of the Ostegenesis Imperfecta (OI) Support Group, and her mother Samantha Coleman, are organizing the Berries and Bones Gala, a fundraiser dedicated to supporting the OI Foundation. Scheduled for June 20 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Brew Hub Lakeland, the gala aims to raise awareness and funds for the rare genetic disorder that Breanna has bravely battled her entire life.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta, more commonly known as brittle bone disease, is a lifelong disorder that affects an estimated 25,000 to 50,000 people in the United States. It is characterized by fragile bones that break easily, short stature, low-bone density and loose joints. Breanna, diagnosed with OI Type 3/4 at birth, has faced countless challenges, including suffering from more than 80 broken bones, requiring 32 surgeries and being wheelchair-bound since the age of two, but she hasn’t let it slow her down.
A 2019 graduate of Plant City High School, she attended USF, graduating with a degree in Psychology in 2023. She’s currently working on a master’s degree in social work. “I saw the gaps in healthcare as I was growing up and as a social worker, I am hoping to bridge some of those gaps,” she said.
Finding doctors that would treat her was particularly challenging, especially after she turned 18. She now travels to a hospital in Delaware for specialized care. “I’m hard to intubate and a lot of surgeons will not treat me,” she said.
With the proceeds from the event, she’s hoping to help send others with OI to Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation’s (OIF) annual conference in Omaha, Nebraska July 19 through 21.
“This year is OI Foundation’s first in-person conference since the pandemic,” remarked Breanna. “I’ve attended three of these conferences and they offer access to medical consultations, seminars and the opportunity to build connections with other people who have OI.”
It was at a conference she learned about the physicians and hospital in Delaware. “I needed major neck surgery at the time and if I didn’t have the surgery I probably wouldn’t be here right now. That’s why it’s so important I help as many people get to the conference as possible.”
Breanna is also passionate about mental health. “OI is a pretty traumatic disease to have and when parents and caregivers of people with OI need to have a support system too,” she said.
The Gala will include a night of food, music and a silent auction.
Tickets for the Berries and Bones Gala, which cost $15, are available for purchase online via a link at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s website at web.lakelandchamber.com/events. Tickets will also be sold at the door.
“I’m hoping people will come out and enjoy themselves, help us rewrite the narrative of what OI is and to help raise funds so people can attend the conference,” said Breanna.