Schools unite to fund rare disease research

By Bart Moss / For the FCT

Phil Campbell High School and Muscle Shoals Middle School recently joined forces to fight two rare diseases that affect both schools and communities ? Xia-Gibbs Syndrome and SIOD.

Jackson Garrard, a student at Phil Campbell High School, has been diagnosed with Xia-Gibbs Syndrome, a recently-discovered genetic condition that causes developmental delay and other conditions. Only 32 people have been diagnosed with the syndrome worldwide.

Jackson's mother, Theresa Garrard, is an employee of the Franklin County Board of Education.

Kruz and Paizlee Davenport of Muscle Shoals have Schimke Immuno-osseous Dysplasia, which is a condition characterized by short stature, kidney disease and a weakened immune system. In people with this condition, short stature is caused by flattened spinal bones, resulting in a shortened neck and trunk. Adult height is typically between 3-5 feet. Kidney disease often leads to life-threatening renal failure and end-stage renal disease.

The two schools have been fundraising for several weeks to raise money to contribute to the Xia-Gibbs Society and Kruzn' For A Kure Foundation for research and awareness. The fundraising culminated with both schools joining together at the Muscle Shoals High School football field for a flag football game between teachers at the two schools.

A total of $17,500 was raised to go to the organizations.

"It was very humbling that both schools got involved to the extent they did for this effort," said Theresa Garrard. "There have been so many good people who have helped with this effort and have put in a lot of time. The students have been wonderful and so cooperative. I just can't thank everyone enough."

As to the football game ? Phil Campbell's teachers beat Muscle Shoals teachers on a late touchdown pass.