Progeria sufferer Enzo Cornejo going to Boston for treatment after shaving fundraiser featuring Glenelg SANFL star Josh Scott
A Glenelg star lost his red locks but helped smash a fundraising goal for brave Enzo Cornejo – the seven-year-old with the rare rapid-ageing condition progeria — on Friday.
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Locks were lost but a fundraising goal for brave Enzo Cornejo was smashed at St Mary’s Memorial School on Friday.
More than $10,000 was raised – double the goal of $5000 – to help seven-year-old Enzo, who was born with the rare rapid-ageing condition progeria.
People close to Enzo, including teachers from the Glenelg school and Tigers footballer Josh Scott, shaved or coloured their hair for every $1000 raised.
Enzo did the honours to shave his mate Scott’s beard, which he had been growing, along with his hair, for the cause.
The money will go towards getting Enzo to Boston, where the Progeria Research Foundation is trialling treatments in September to stop the ageing process.
Enzo is believed to be the only child in Australia with the rare disorder, which has no cure and typically reduces life expectancy to about 14.
The foundation believes there are just 156 children with it worldwide.
His parents, Catherina Llontop and Percy Cornejo, have started ‘Team Enzo’ to meet the financial demands.
Ms Llontop says many people have helped in different ways along Enzo’s journey with progeria.
“We are so emotional and so grateful for everyone’s support and feel so humbled by the love, enthusiasm and bravery of every single person who has offered to shave, cut or colour their hair,” Ms Llontop says.
“Without your participation, this would not be possible.”
To donate to Team Enzo and help him get to Boston, visit www.mycause.com.au/page/193432/team-enzo-2019
patrick.keam@news.com.au
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