Rallying for a Cure: West Covina Firefighters Tee Off to Support Rare Disease Research

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the West Covina Firefighters Association is hosting its annual golf tournament with a noble purpose – to raise funds for the development of a life-changing treatment for a rare metabolic disorder affecting a local child. This year's event promises to be a poignant and impactful gathering, as the firefighters and the community come together to make a difference in the life of a young boy and pave the way for a brighter future for those affected by this rare condition.

Driving Towards a Cure: West Covina Firefighters Tee Off for a Cause

Teeing Off for a Rare Metabolic Disorder

The West Covina Firefighters Association's annual golf tournament has always been a highly anticipated event, but this year, it holds a deeper significance. A portion of the proceeds from the tournament will be directed towards finding a cure for a rare metabolic disease that has impacted the life of a local child, Dean Lomelin. Dean, a 9-year-old boy who plays little league baseball in West Covina, was diagnosed with Beta-mannosidosis in 2022, a rare and incurable disorder that causes a buildup of toxic materials in cells throughout the body and brain.

A Rare Condition, a Shared Struggle

Dean is one of only four patients currently identified with Beta-mannosidosis in the United States, a testament to the rarity of this condition. The four families affected by this disease have partnered with UC Irvine Health to create a project with the goal of raising funds to develop an FDA-approved enzyme replacement therapy to treat the disease. This collaborative effort is a testament to the resilience and determination of these families, who are committed to finding a solution and improving the lives of those affected by this rare disorder.

Tee Time for a Cause: The West Covina Firefighters Golf Tournament

The annual West Covina Firefighters Association golf tournament, scheduled for Monday, July 22, at the prestigious South Hills Country Club, has already sold out. This overwhelming response from the community underscores the deep-rooted support and compassion that the firefighters and the residents of West Covina share for this cause. While the tournament itself is at capacity, the organizers have made it possible for those who cannot attend to contribute to the cause through online donations at fundraise.givesmart.com and wcfa3226.org.

Driving Towards a Brighter Future

The West Covina Firefighters Association's decision to dedicate a portion of the tournament's proceeds to the research and development of a treatment for Beta-mannosidosis is a testament to their commitment to the well-being of their community. By leveraging the power of their annual event, the firefighters are not only raising funds but also raising awareness about this rare condition, inspiring others to join the fight and support the families affected by this devastating disease.As the golfers tee off on the pristine fairways of South Hills Country Club, they will be carrying the hopes and dreams of the Lomelin family and the other families affected by Beta-mannosidosis. Each swing of the club, each putt that finds the hole, will represent a step closer to a future where a cure for this rare disorder is within reach, and the lives of those affected can be transformed.