Large Outpouring for 'Kyla's Kause' at Mulcahy's

There was a large outpouring of support at  in Wantagh this past Saturday to assist a 1-year old girl ‘s battle with a a rare neurological condition.

The benefit called "Kyla's Kause" was for 1-year old Kyla Leonard of Islip Terrace, who was recently diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, a genetic disorder that is found in one in 15,000 live births and causes severe impairments with speech, movement, and cognition. Kyla was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome after a DNA test when she was 12 months old. The syndrome means she will have to have occupational, physical and speech therapy for the rest of her life.

Saturday’s benefit in Wantagh was aimed at not only raising money for Kyla and her family but for Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST). The foundation is dedicated to fund creative and innovative science towards a cure for Angelman Syndrome.

Kyla’s mom Danielle Leonard sad she was surprised by “the good that people have shown today and it shows that there is still good in the world and that people do care.”

At the benefit there were more than 50 raffle baskets, some grand prize raffles, a Chinese-silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle.  A popular local band called The Mystic also performed throughout the event. 

Nicole Desane, a good friend of Danielle Leonard stated that the event was “a wonderful thing and that it is great how much support there is for the foundation and for Kyla.”

At the event, there were about a dozen people wearing blue shirts and on the back of the shirt it said “Kyla’s Crew.”

The fundraiser raised more than $15,000 for Kyla and FAST. Organizers said they are planning to make "Kyla's Kause" an annual event.