Rally Set For Local Boy With Most-Rare Medical Condition
By Space Coast Daily // May 31, 2016
JERSEY MIKE'S TO HOST FUNDRAISER ON JUNE 3
MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — With a local child suffering from the world’s most rare medical condition, Brevard County residents and businesses are joining forces to help Aydyn Stewart of Melbourne overcome Common Variable Immunodeficiency.
To help Stewart, they’ll be giving away prize packages as part of a raffle drawing at the “Rare is Real Rally”, a fundraiser from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 3 at the Jersey Mike’s subs located 90 Hibiscus Blvd. in Melbourne. (See the event page on Facebook HERE)
Attendees can order a special sub custom made by Aydyn, called the “Rarewhich.” Thirty percent of the proceeds from Rarewich sales will be donated to the fundraiser. Known as CVI, the medical condition infecting Stewart prevents his plasma cells aren’t from producing antibodies to fight infection.
If you would like to donate to the fundraising effort to assist Aydyn Stewart but can’t attend the rally on Friday, you can make a donation at GoFundMe.com/prayin4aydyn-CVID
According to Stewart’s mother, Andrea Cannizzaro, a CVI diagnosis was made in October, and other factors made Stewart’s specific condition so rare that doctors discovered it affects one in 6 billion people. In other words, Stewart is thought to be the only person in the world suffering from it.
As a result of CVI’s impact on his health, Stewart has missed more than 60 days of school this year to seek treatment. His mother continues to search for an effective treatment while balancing all of the typical demands of being a mother as well as her job.
The family’s perilous journey for help has gained the support of hundreds of friends, family and residents throughout the Space Coast. A Facebook page titled, “Prayin4Aydyn – Our CVID Superhero” now has 300 fans.
“There are treatments available, but they may not work for him or ‘stick’ traditionally as someone who already has their foundation, or their walls, or their bricks,” Cannizzaro said. “It’s like trying to build a house without a foundation.”
A variety of Brevard-based businesses and local franchises will be at Friday’s rally, including:
- The Escape Zone
- Parker Bros.
- Ben & Jerry’s
- Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
- Brevard SWAT
- Space Coast Comixx
- Zombie Island
- Cosplay Costume Contest
Raffle prizes package at the rally will include:
- Ticket packages for The Escape Zone.
- Gift certificates.Jersey Mike’s subs
- Tattoo Package at Against The Grain.
- Basket at Frankie’s Wings & Things.
- Basket at FunTown
- Gift certificates for Famous Faces & Funnies .
- Pizza package at Old School Pizza .
- Pressure washing from Sham Sheild .
- Gift certificate to Ethel & Fred’s.
- Gift certificate to Nature’s Market.
- Gift certificate to KIA.
- Gift certificate to Murphy Cadillac.
