For parents Bill and Kimberly Procko, their hearts ache for their five year-old son Evan who was diagnosed with a fatal form of muscular dsytrophy - a disorder that usually claims the lives of children before their 20th birthday.

"Everything that I let him do that he's not supposed to do, every muscle injury that occurs from him being a normal kid or doing the things he wants to do shortens his lifespan," says his mother.

So, in an effort to raise funds, and awareness for this deadly disorder, Evan's dad and a dozen others are planning a trip to Washington to climb Mt. Ranier. A 12 member team will set out to climb the 14, 410 foot mountain. Their goal, each, is to raise that amount of money for research. Even Evan's 8 year-old brother Billy emptied his wallet and donated three dollars.

"It's wonderful but it's sickening to see him put money in the can for his brother," says Bill Procko.

Billy plans on donating more and his parents are hoping others do the same - not only for their son, but for other kids who are going through the same heartaches.

"You said it's like a kidnapping. It's like someone is holding him for ransom and we need to get the money. We need to get money to these researchers, otherwise, - that's all that it is. They have the treatments, they have it."

A Poker Run is scheduled for 10am Saturday at the High Springs Lion’s Club. For more information on Evan, you can visit saveourson.org

Print this Story

Recent Stories