Extending some help to a friend

WEIRTON - A Weirton boy is dealing with a debilitating disease with courage, determination and the support of many, including his fellow pupils at Lauretta B. Millsop Primary School.

Dakota Geary, the 8-year-old son of Jeff and Melissa Geary of Weirton, doesn't have an easy life. Since he was 4 years old, he has taken medication to control the effects of an inoperable tumor on his heart, said his father.

When he was in kindergarten, the Gearys learned their son has another unrelated condition: Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, a disease that causes progressive wasting and weakness of the muscles.

Jeff Geary said before Dakota was diagnosed, his teacher noticed he tended to use his arms to lift himself up from sitting or squatting positions, a common means for children with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy to compensate for weak hip and leg muscles.

Because of such weakness, those with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy have increasing difficulty maintaining their balance and walking and eventually require a wheelchair, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

While awaiting a motorized wheelchair, financed through Medicare, for Dakota, the Gearys were given an electric scooter by Dr. Mitch Sagan, a Weirton dentist.

Jeff said while Dakota still walks at home, he has enjoyed using the scooter at school because it has reduced the number of times he falls.

When Tammy Wounaris, president of the Lauretta B. Millsop Primary School PTA, learned the family lacked a wheelchair-accessible van, she launched a fundraising campaign involving local businesses and his peers.

Children at the school were invited to make dollar contributions for the cause, and the school, which has an enrollment of 110 pupils, raised $1,500 over a two-week period, Wounaris said.

Not surprisingly, the second-graders in Dakota's class raised the most money and will be rewarded with a party by the PTA, she said, adding pupils throughout the school will receive a treat from the group.

Wounaris said other fundraisers, including a day on which pupils may pay $1 to wear hats - normally prohibited by the school's dress code - are planned, with a number of the school's business partners agreeing to match the amount raised by the children.

"We've got a wonderful school. They really pull together," she commented.

Wounaris said as word of Dakota's situation reached others, the effort has expanded. Heather McFadden, a local college student, recruited friends and neighbors to go caroling during her Christmas break and collected more than $500.

Wounaris and others also have spearheaded a spaghetti dinner and concert from 5 p.m. to midnight today at the Serbian-American Cultural Center. The hall is waiving its rental fee and providing dinner at a discounted rate, she said.

The reservation deadline for the dinner was Wednesday, but there may be some meals left, she said. No reservations are required for the concert, which will begin at 7 p.m. and feature music by disc jockey Chico and musicians and bands John Ralich, Verdict, Big Brother Cain and NFI.

Several of the performers have children or siblings at the school, while others learned of the benefit and wanted to help, Wounaris said.

Magician Jim Tate also will provide up-close magic and balloon animals.

Wounaris added Anthony "Butch" Rotellini, president of the Ohio Valley Mopar Club, learned of the fundraiser through McFadden, his niece; and the group has agreed to donate $100 to defray costs for the event, while challenging other car clubs to match the contribution.

She said several area businesses have donated various prizes, including items for children, sports-themed gift baskets and an overnight stay at an area hotel, for a silent auction and drawings to be held during the night.

Tickets for the dinner are $15 each. Those interested in attending are asked to make reservations by Wednesday by calling (304) 748-1665. Anyone may attend only the concert if they choose by paying $8 admission at the door.

Wounaris said the PTA also is accepting monetary contributions from anyone who just wants to assist the Geary family.

Jeff Geary said he's moved by the support from the PTA, Dakota's classmates and others.

"The school has been fantastic. Just what they've done up to this point if remarkable," he said.

Geary said the school's staff, including a physical and occupational therapists who work with Dakota to strengthen his muscles as much as possible and his teacher, has been very supportive and helpful to the family.

"Everybody, from the school board to his teacher (John Lyonett) and the PTA, has been really wonderful," he said.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)