Freeport junior raises funds for disease he had
BUFFALO TWP — A young man who battled Hirschprung's disease has created a fundraiser to help other families deal with the rare intestinal malady.
Freeport High School junior Case Haberstroh, who plays hockey for the Freeport Yellowjackets, started Hockey for Hirschprung's in 2014 when he needed a community service project for his religious education class at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cabot.
The hockey tournament raised funds that went to surgeons who operate on youths with Hirschprung's disease.
The surgeons determine whether the money will go to a family in need who is dealing with the disease or to research.
Last year, the tournament did not garner enough teams, so the fundraiser was suspended.
This year, the family decided to try a pasta dinner to raise money for the cause.
“I hope (the money) is used for families who have to deal with their child having Hirschprung's disease,” Case said, “and I hope it can help and support all the families who go through this.”
The dinner will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Freeport High School on Route 356.
Case's mother, Leslie Yannachionne, explained that in Hirschprung's disease, a portion of the nerves in the colon do not function.
At just 1 week old, Case had surgery at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh to remove the nonworking section of colon and was fitted with a temporary colostomy bag.
A second surgery at age 3 months connected the sections of intestine, and luckily, Case has had no further issues. But Yannachionne said many affected children also have Down syndrome, heart issues and other symptoms.
“His was just a lack of nerves,” she said.
Still, Case had to get clearance to use the restroom at school without asking. That can cause children to withdraw from social interaction because of the fear of bullying.
“They worry that they are going to be made fun of,” Yannachionne said. “This is a way for Case to say 'It's OK, you can be active and you can get through this.'”
Case, who appeared in a commercial and a voice-over for Children's Hospital, hopes his fundraiser helps raise awareness on Hirschprung's disease.
“I'm surprised with the outcome of everything and how I have helped Children's Hospital,” he said, “and I was able to raise money and inspire a lot of kids that do have the same disease as me.”
He hopes everyone comes to the pasta dinner on Sunday to enjoy a meal, enter some raffles, see their neighbors and help a good cause.
“Everyone should come out and see what one of their local high school students can do for the people who have this disease and also to help me in my journey in bringing peace and support to the families who have kids with Hirschprung's disease,” he said.
