Ear: Kenton

Mariah Rudolfi started the “Help Kenton Get a Van!” GoFundMe to help her brother, Tony Rudolfi, of Astoria, and his wife, Brooke, with expenses related to their son, Kenton, born in 2022. They also have a daughter, Raelyn.

“Kenton suffered from hundreds of seizures in his first year of life, and was ultimately diagnosed with a rare type of epilepsy called infantile spasms,” Mariah Rudolfi wrote. “He has since been part of the undiagnosed disease network, which is hoping to find a cause for his epilepsy, cerebral palsy and global development delays.

“Kenton is now almost 3 years old, and continues to inspire us every day with his determination. He was recently blessed with a new wheelchair, which helps to get him around more easily, but this comes with more challenges.”

And therein lies the reason for the GoFundMe. His father’s vehicle isn’t equipped to transport Kenton’s wheelchair and equipment, plus the family. They need an Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible van to get Kenton to his needed therapy sessions, visits to the doctor and activities.

“If you know Brooke, Tony, and their children,” she added, “you know that they are the sweetest little family, who would never ask for assistance, but they are truly the most deserving. Thank you for your generosity in helping my sweet nephew, Kenton, and our family, navigate this life-long challenging journey.” (Photo: Mariah Rudolfi)