The mission to finding a cure for a rare degenerative condition in children will be given a boost at an upcoming fundraising dinner in Wagga.
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On Saturday, August 18, Food I Am will will host a special dinner to raise awareness and funds for Ataxis Telangiectasia, a rare and incurable disease often described as the worst parts of cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis.
Wagga siblings Charlie and Zara Millar are two of the 40 children in Australia affected by this life-shortening debilitating condition.
Without a cure, both will likely be confined to a wheelchair by aged 10.
Of those with the condition, few survive past their 20s.
A percentage of the profits from ticket sales and an auction on the night will be donated to BrAshA-T Ataxia-Telangiectasia – Australia’s only not-for-profit foundation dedicated to finding a cure for AT.
The siblings’ mother, Carly, said she and husband, Jeff, approached Food I Am about the initiative.
“It’s a beautiful venue and we have got a great night planned for our guests to enjoy,” Mrs Millar said.
“We set out to raise $100,000 and have exceeded that so far from some very generous donations.
“It’s taking us another step closer to a cure for not only our children but for all those living with this heartbreaking condition.”
It’s taking us another step closer to a cure for not only our children but for all those living with this heartbreaking condition.
- Carly Millar
In May, Mrs Millar said it was a race against time.
“AT is a ticking time-bomb,” Mrs Millar said.
“They will have normal to high intelligence, but it will basically cause them to lose control of their muscles and bodies.
“But we will continue to fight and do whatever it takes so that they live a long and happy life.”
Food I Am founder Tania Sibrey said it was a privilege to be involved in the effort.
“Carly and Jeff set up the initiative, so we’re honoured to be part of the fundraising effort to make people aware of this disease,” Ms Sibrey said.
“There will also be an auction on the night so we're hoping to raise lots of funds from it.”
The event will include a three-course dinner by chef Soon Lee Low.
Local band Wobbly Boot and brewing company Thirsty Crow will also play their parts.
In November this year, the siblings’ father, Jeff, and more than 20 others will climb Mt Everest to raise funds for BrAshAT.
Fundraising efforts for Charlie and Zara Millar are also part of Wagga Marketplace’s round three of Hometown Heroes.
- To book: visit Food I Am fundraiser event for BrAshA-T
