100-hour channel underway to raise funds for rare disease research

An Espanola family has launched a 100-hour appeal to raise $10,000 for research into rare diseases.

Kelsey and Alex McKechnie’s daughter, Iris Mae, has Pompe Disease, a rare disease that requires monthly infusions as an enzyme replacement therapy, and is long-term since no cure has been found. 

To mark her 100th infusion, Kelsey says the family is kicking off its second annual fundraiser with a 100-hour challenge online adding for every dollar donated, Espanola Home Hardware will match it to a maximum of $10,000. 

The challenge ends at midnight this Saturday. 

She adds the I am Rare and Aware Skate-A-thon will be held in February 2024 as part of their ongoing initiative to raise money for the Toronto’s Sick Kids Foundation. 

To donate or for more information, visit https://fundraise.sickkidsfoundation.com/imskateathon?