Natchitoches’ Westside Baptist Church hosted the twelfth of a series of benefit concerts held to raise funds for an eminently worthy cause, helping one of our own, a child who is facing a grave illness. Over 200 people from every corner of our community gathered once again to enjoy a superb Gospel concert by The Amazing Rhythm Disciples, joined by renowned violinist and NSU professor Andrej Kurti Sunday November 16. The tireless group once again played a two-hour concert delighting the audience with their signature blend of old favorites and Gospel songs with a novel twist. Over the course of the past year and a half, the Amazing Rhythm Disciples have helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for Hope for Lydia with their concerts.
People from all over our area and indeed the entire country as word spreads have rallied to the side of Lydia, a local three-year-old girl diagnosed with San Filippo Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that attacks the central nervous system and is terminal. There is presently no cure, but Lydia’s parents were able to report some wonderful news as well as a challenge they and 14 other families with children affected by San Filippo Syndrome are facing. There is a clinical trial open for Lydia and the 14 other children. In order for the trial to proceed, the families need to raise 3.8 million dollars by December 1st. If they successful, the trial can proceed, and the pharmaceutical company will make enough of the treatments for all 15 children under the FDA’s “Compassionate Care” provisions. The families have thus far raised 2.1 million dollars.
Lydia’s family is praying for a miracle to save their child and is asking for our help. They are raising money for the Cure San Filippo Foundation. It may be an uphill battle, but they have overcome many obstacles to get to this point and remain undeterred.
One great aspect of life in a small town is that when trouble comes, so do neighbors willing to help.
The community’s response continues to be inspirational. Today’s concert and as well as fundraisers held over the past year and a half have raised over $1,100,000.00 for Lydia. This past year and a half has seen hundreds of people from every race and station in life come together in order to help a three-year-old child have a chance to live a normal life. It is an inspiring example of our nation at its best!
