David McDonnell of Moreau said he never takes for granted the simple acts of dressing, getting in and out of the car, or even getting food from the refrigerator after watching the struggles his 34-year-old son encounters daily.
Dylan McDonnell is afflicted with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a rare, inherited disorder that affects the muscles and heart.
Structures in areas of the brain and spinal cord that control coordination, muscle movement and some sensory functions are affected and there is no cure.
Since 2008, the McDonnells have worked to raise awareness of Friedreich’s Ataxia, and more than $50,000 to benefit Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance.
They’re now preparing to host the fifth annual free concert on Saturday at the Elks Lodge pavilion in Queensbury.
The FARA event, featuring local bands and basket raffles, is becoming something that people pencil in on their calendars, Dylan said.
Read More: Free concert in Queensbury to draw attention to rare disease
