Funds needed for medical treatment

A fundraiser will be held Thursday for Zachary Ghazali, a 17-year-old LaSalle boy who travels to China for medical treatment of a rare and terminal genetic disorder that attacks the immune system.

Ghazali suffers from the incurable Friedreich’s ataxia, which progressively sabotages the co-ordination of the arms and legs, diminishes sight and hearing and makes 80 per cent of its sufferers vulnerable to heart disease and diabetes.

Ghazali travelled to China last year for treatments that improved his condition, which affects one in 40,000 people.

He wants to undergo additional stem cell therapy this summer.

A fundraiser featuring a pasta dinner, door prizes and a silent auction will be held about 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hellenic Banquet Hall.

Donations accepted at any Royal Bank branch.

The account number is 07 952 5089321, under the name Bernadine Ghazali, his mother.

© The Windsor Star 2009