Sacred Heart Church hosted a special fundraiser today for Schaefer Mezzacapo. A seven year old boy with cerebral palsy. The goal is to send him to Panama City, Panama.

In Panama, Schaefer would receive a once-in-a-lifetime stem cell treatment. It's a treatment that can repair his muscles, nerve damage, and improve his ability to walk.

Schaefer's form of cerebral palsy is called spastic diplegia, which causes muscle stiffness and spasms in a person's legs and sometimes arms. But Schaefer will now have the opportunity to have his life changed.

Schaefer simply said it was "the best," to see everyone come out and help raise money for him. Schaefer just started the second grade, and said that it has been good so far and that he is making some new friends.

Schaefer does not let his condition get in the way of doing the things he loves, like playing basketball and riding his bike.

Schaefer's grandpa, Joe Colonna, talked about what it has been like seeing him grow up and continue to fight this terrible disease head on.

"He's been a fighter ever since he has been born, and he is looking to go for stem cell and to see if he can improve his abilities," Colonna said. "If you think you have a problem when you get up just look at him. That's all, every day he just makes you happier and happier...>

If you did not make it out to Schaefer's benefit today, there are three places that you can donate to help:

  • - Venmo: @Stems4Schaef
  • - PayPal: Lori Mezzacapo
  • - CashApp: $Stems4Schaef