According to a story from wndu.com, a fundraiser that was held in Berrien Springs, Michigan, is helping to raise money for Carter Sheline, who recently graduated from high school and now faces the challenge of living with the rare disease ANCA vasculitis. The money will help support Carter and his family as he receives treatment for the rare autoimmune disorder.
About ANCA Vasculitis
ANCA vasculitis is a disease that is characterized by the damage and destruction of blood vessels as a result of inflammatory activity. The disease is associated with the presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). These are autoantibodies that target antigens present on neutrophils (the most common type of white blood cell) and monocytes. This means that the mechanism of the disease is autoimmune, in which the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissue. Symptoms of ANCA vasculitis include kidney inflammation, fever, weight loss, abdominal pain, bloody stools, purpura, nose bleeds, muscle pain, arthritis, bloody cough, vision problems, headaches, stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure. Treatment of the disease is primarily focused on controlling inflammation and suppressing immune system activity. Common medications include cyclophosphamide, rituximab, and prednisone. Antibiotics may be necessary in cases of infection. To learn more about ANCA vasculitis, click here.
A Community United
The fundraiser took place in the form of hot, freshly cooked pork and chicken meals, which were prepared by volunteers in the Berrien Springs Middle School cafeteria.
“We’ve had people here, I think they slept here, all night cooking. We’ve been here all morning, and we’ll be here probably until the food runs out,” noted Charles Richards, a teacher and cross country coach. The organizers said that hundreds of meals were ultimately sold to the benefit of Carter and his family. Carter, who is now a freshman attending Michigan State University, was an active participant in track and cross country.
He visited and supported the high school team at the state meet earlier in the season.
“Just a great family. I think everybody saw the family in need, and everybody jumped to help, ” says track coach Jon Rodriguez.
