Children of all ages were invited to the second annual "Big Wheel Derby." They took their bikes, tricycles and scooters and made the laps around the parking lot at the West Hartford JCC.
The fundraiser benefits Alyssa's Angel Fund, which was started in honor of 5-year-old Alyssa Temkin. Alyssa was born with Glycogen Storage Disease Type One A, a rare genetic metabolic disease that causes her to be fed through a feeding tube. The fund raises money to help families with GSD receive life-saving medical care from a doctor in Florida.
"We found out that there were some families who really couldn't afford to go see him and get the help they needed. So we decided we would do something to pay for their financial expenses, their medical bills, their travel expenses, anything to get them down to get the medical care Alyssa receives," said Gayle Temkin, Alyssa's mother.
"An event like this is so important because if kids get to the right doctor early on, then they have such a great chance of doing well," said Wendy Feldman, whose son Jonah also has GSD.
The event raised more than $11,000, but the fundraising doesn't stop there. Many of Alyssa's friends have been pitching in any way they can.
"I had a hot dog stand and I raised money for Alyssa and I raised more than $340. Why did you do that? Because I wanted to help Alyssa feel better," said Baylee Krulewitz, one of Alyssa's friends.
Donations are also being accepted through the Mandell JCC in West Hartford.
