KISD James Arthur Intermediate School, with the insistence of a group of Arthur teachers led by Linda Graddy, is hosting a dance this week for a good cause ? one of their own students. {{more}}Principal Danny Greenfield announced to the school board on Thursday night about the planned fundraiser support for Zach, a fifth grader who has Batten disease. The dance theme is a Hollywood Red Carpet Roll-out. It is for 5th and 6th grade students at James Arthur.
Besides the effort to raise funds, the dance will serve another purpose. Zach?s mom hopes it will raise public awareness and understanding for those with the disease, a disease that is not well known.
According to the Batten Disease Support and Research Association (BDSRA) , children and adults with Batten disease have inherited genetic material from their parents that may take some years to come to bear in their everyday lives. And when it does, families are often in shock when they learn how a normal child or adult (Kufs form) could change quickly, and without seeming cause. These changes can include seizures, visual impairment/blindness, personality and behavior changes, dementia, loss of motor skills and the ability to walk, talk and communicate. Read more BDSRA
Zach who is going through changes caused by the disease, is participating in the ?Run for the Sun for Beyond Batten Disease. Team Zach will run April 11-12 in the Texas Hill country race. The school is supporting his team with money raised from the dance and thanks to the help of Erin Jamison, KISD Public Relations Coordinator, the effort has been featured on CBS Local Channel 11.
If you would like to donate you can go to Run
for the Sun
and click on Team Zach.
