BRIGHT, Ind. (WKRC) – At just one year old, Van Foster has already taught his parents, Kristen and Taylor, more about strength and hope than they ever imagined. With his bright smile, Van lights up their lives every single day even as he faces a rare diagnosis.<\/p>\n
When Van was just two-months-old, doctors delivered life-changing news that he was diagnosed with KARS. It’s a mitochondrial disorder with fewer than 50 documented cases worldwide. The disease prevents cells from producing enough energy, affecting the nervous system, brain, eyes, liver, and ears. There is currently no cure, and doctors can\u2019t predict how much time children with KARS will have.<\/p>\n
\u201cCaring for the rare means the world to us,\u201d Taylor said.<\/p>\n
That hope is growing thanks to Cure KARS, a nonprofit leading awareness effort and supporting research. The group recently launched a groundbreaking gene-therapy study that scientists believe could one day restore function to multiple systems damaged by the mutation.<\/p>\n
The Fosters say they have relied on one another to stay strong.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve leaned on each other. That\u2019s what I want to emphasize. Being there for one another has motivated us to keep pushing and do everything we can for Van,\u201d said Kristen.<\/p>\n
To help fund lifesaving research and show Van just how loved he is, the Fosters are inviting the community to join them at Volley for Van,<\/a> an all-day volleyball fundraiser Sept. 20 at GameTime in Bright, Indiana. The event will feature raffles, split-the-pot drawings, Bengals memorabilia, and tickets to local sports teams to benefit research for KARS and support families like the Fosters. It starts at 11:00 a.m.<\/p>\n Even in the face of unimaginable uncertainty, Kristen and Taylor remain steadfast in their mission to fight for their son and every child living with rare diseases.<\/p>\n \u201cThere’s not enough research for these rare diseases. We want to shine a light on these children and families dealing with something familiar.”<\/p>\n