Fundraiser to help boy outrun Tourette Syndrome

Dylan Sharp hopes to be one lap closer to a cure in February.

The 9-year-old wants to participate in the Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon next month benefiting the national Tourette Syndrome Association. He was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome last August. He needs to raise $2,000 to go, but a local group has agreed to help him.

Catholic Mother to Mother with St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church will hold a Bunko game night on Friday, Jan. 16 with all proceeds going to Sharp's minimum fundraising guideline. If he raises the amount necessary, Sharp and his family will be able to attend the event and stay in a hotel free of charge.

To date, he has raised $225.

"He is such a sweet kid," said Jane Alger, a member of Catholic Mother to Mother. "We just really want this to be a success."

Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder and is defined as multiple motor and vocal tics that last for more than one year. The tics are involuntary, meaning the patient cannot control them.

Alger believes the blow of the diagnosis will be softened measurably when Sharp and his family see other young children who also have Tourette Syndrome.

"We'll do prizes for the most Bunkos and the least Bunkos," Alger said. "There will be wine, soda and food. Tickets are $15."

The Bunko game night will take place at St. Angela Hall, 118 York St. S.E., starting at 7 p.m. For more information or tickets, call Jane Alger at 649-5439 or Kayleen Sharp at 215-3868.