Saturday, February 16, 2013
Save Ryan and Ethan ALD Fundraiser Event
Yonkers Division 1 Supports
“The Save Ryan and Ethan”
ALD
Fundraiser Event
 |
| Ryan, Ethan, and Jack Caulfied McCormack |
Members of the Yonkers A.O.H. were on hand at a fundraiser
held Saturday, February 16th at The Rambling House Bar and
Restaurant in the Woodlawn Section of the Bronx.
Division 1 was able to pledge $2,500 towards offsetting treatment costs
for two very brave children from Ireland who were diagnosed with ALD late
last year.
 | ||||
| Presenting Check to Ryan and Ethan's Father JimmyCaulfield |
Ryan and Ethan
Caulfield McCormack (aged 6 and 4) from Tramore, County Waterford, were recently diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy, also know as ALD.
ALD, is a deadly genetic disease that affects 1 in 18,000 people. It most
severely affects boys and men. This brain disorder destroys Myelin, the
protective sheath that surrounds the brain’s neurons — the nerve cells that
allow us to think and to control our muscles. ALD causes relentless progressive
deterioration to a vegetative state or death, usually within five years. It
knows no racial, ethnic or geographic barriers.
 |
| Ryan and Ethan Caulfield McCormack |
Their
parents, Caroline and Jimmy began to notice strange symptoms in Ryan earlier
last year, and when he was diagnosed with ALD, they had their other children
tested, Ethan tested positive for the disease as well. They began a fundraising and awareness campaign
with events in both Ireland and The United States, and the
outpouring of support has been tremendous.
 |
| Tables of items that were auctioned off to help raise funds |
The event that
was held in The Bronx featured live music, raffles, a silent sports auction and
more. “This family has suffered terribly and we are happy and honored to
support them. The way that they and the
entire Irish Community have come together to support Ryan and Ethan is truly inspiring.” said Division One President Kevin Ellis
 |
| The silent auction featured items donated from the local Irish community |
Prognosis
for patients with childhood cerebral X-ALD is generally poor due to progressive
neurological deterioration unless bone marrow transplantation is performed
early. Ryan is currently in the U.S. undergoing the process for a bone
marrow transplant at a hospital in Minnesota. Ethan must wait until he is at
least 5 years old before beginning his treatment for the disease, priced at
about $1.5 million per child.
For more
information on how you can support The Save Ryan and Ethan Campaign, please
visit the website that has been set up for them at :
saveryanandethan.com
saveryanandethan.com
