New York City, USA – Legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin performed in a special concert on November 15 at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Her powerful voice and celebrity spotlight brought attention to Marfan syndrome, a disorder little known in the public but affecting 200,000 people in the United States alone. All funds raised at the event went to the National Marfan Foundation, a voluntary, non-profit organization that aims to improve the lives of those who have Marfan syndrome, which affects the organs and limbs. Franklin is known for lending her support to various charities, including NAACP, drunk-driving prevention and sickle cell anemia research. Franklin’s soul-filled concert had two results: raising funds and spreading awareness of Marfan syndrome, the latter of which being crucial to raising further funds, generating positive support for sufferers and increasing the public’s knowledge of the syndrome.