Butterflies for Brian

The info below will tell you all about Brian's' fight.

With skin as fragile as a butterfly wing, Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) patients are dubbed “BUTTERFLY CHILDREN”. Our schoolmate, Brian Ilg, was born in 2005 with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa, or EB. This is a devastating genetic disease that causes the skin to blister and break causing wounds similar to those suffered by burn victims.

Brian was scheduled to start 7th grade in September with his classmates. Unfortunately, because of his declining health that became impossible. Desperate for some relief, Brian, his sister Annalise (his donor) and his mother went to the University of Minnesota where Brian underwent chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. We recently learned that his sister Annalise’s cell were 100% engrafted in Brian. Recent test show that he may be able to return to school very soon! While this is fantastic news, Brian still has a very long road ahead of him. He needs to travel to Minnesota several times a year for check-ups and treatment. While insurance covers some of Brian’s expenses, many of them (i.e.: travel/hotels/etc.) are not covered. We thought it would be a wonderful way to welcome Brian to our school with a SWARM of butterflies! Imagine him showing up for his first day of middle school with the foyer, hallways and cafeteria filled with “Butterflies for Brian”! In addition to welcoming Brian in this special way, we are also hoping to raise some money for him and his family.

Please look at the reverse side of this flier and consider helping Brian and his family with the enormous expenses that come with EB! The Saxton PTA is selling “Butterflies for Brian” for $1.00. We are only asking $1.00 per butterfly, however, you can donate as much as you like. All the butterflies will be hung in the school to welcome Brian back to Saxton! All the money raised will be given to Brian and his family.

Feel free to make copies of this flyer, share with family, friends, church, and other groups that may be able to help! Also, feel free to, decorate, color and/or add a special message to your butterfly. Contact us at KateHenry@optonline.net if you have any questions. Please include your name or family name on the butterfly and return to Saxton Middle School, 121 Saxton Ave, Patchogue or return with your student with your donation.

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