A rare children's disease is gaining recognition in South East Ohio and bringing families together.
Jeff Cirner and Caitlin Shumaker are two strangers who share experiences with RCDP, a rare genetic disorder that shortens limbs and disturbs bone formation in children. Jeff is raising two children who are beating the odds and fighting RCDP
"They did a skin biopsy and they sent it off to John's Hopkins, and they came back and they said 'Your son has a very rare genetic disorder. It's called Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata.' And they said 'To be honest with you we don't even know too much about it. All we know is a lot of children unfortunately typically only live to the age of one or two," said Jeff Cirner, Father of Jake and Jordyn two RDCP Children.
Jeff's children are now 11 and 8 years old. Caitlin Shumaker however has a childhood friend, Colby, who is raising Sophia, an 11 month old with the same disease. Caitlin is moved by her friend's strength and is raising awareness in our area through a local fundraiser, Sophia's Supporters.
"People should get more involved because there are so many rare diseases that children are suffering from everyday, it should be more publicized," said Caitlin Shumaker, Sophia's Supporters Coordinator.
The fundraiser will take place at the Moose Lodge in Coshocton on May 31st from 10am-5pm. There will be crafters, venders, a silent auction, and a 50-50 raffle. Proceeds will go toward the RHIZO Kids Foundation as well as Sophia's Supporters. If you would like more information on RCDP please visit the RHIZO Kids Foundation at www.rhizokids.com.
For more information on the Sophia's Supporters Fundraiser please call Caitlin Shumaker at 740-796-3776
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