Calling all angels

This past weekend, the Saturday Star featured a story about a 4-month-old boy who suffers from a rare genetic disease which has left him with no immune system. His name is Parker DesLauriers. Since he was only a few weeks old, Parker has been living in an isolation room at the Hospital for Sick Children. He can't see his parents' smiles or feel their skin -- everyone who comes in contact with him must wear sterile booties, gloves, masks, and gowns. The disease Parker inherited is called "ADA-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency" (SCID), also known as boy-in-the-bubble disease.

Like all loving caregivers, Parker's parents, Tracy and Kevin, want to do what's best for their son to give him the best chance. Currently, Parker's only hope is experimental gene therapy in Milan, Italy. Tracy and Kevin have stated: "If we have to quit our jobs, move to another country and go into debt, so be it."

Here's your opportunity to put your greatness into action and contribute to the development of Parker's potential...

A benefit concert, Playing for Parker, will be held on June 16th at 8 pm at the Rivoli in Toronto (334 Queen St. W) to raise money to cover expenses for Kevin and Tracy to take Parker to Milan. Donations can also be made at any TD Canada Trust branch under account number: 590 6267228 or electronically on Kevin's website, www.scidada.blogspot.com