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Austin Manz is a 15-year-old boy from Union Township. Austin was born with a mitochondrial disease, which limits energy production and leaves him with little to no muscle tone. He is incapable of supporting himself without assistance. Such common actions such as clearing the throat and breathing often require mechanical assistance via a tracheostomy tube.

Austin requires 24-hour care. While he receives home nursing on scheduled shifts, most care is done by family members. He also relies on several medical machines daily, such as a ventilator, suction machine, cough assist, feeding pump, and a few others to meet his needs. The family needs to have an emergency generator installed in their home in the event of a power loss to keep his medical machines in operation.

Austin requires a lot of medications and other medical supplies not covered by insurance. In addition, a Hoyer track system was generously donated to the family to assist in moving Austin. However, professional installation of this device is needed.

St. Francis of Assisi High School Youth Ministry will be sponsoring a vendor craft show to benefit Austin on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Finley Hall on the church's property. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Vendors and crafters from our surrounding area will have their items for sale. Food and refreshments will be for sale as well as baked goods provided by St. Francis Parish Ladies Organizations. There will be a 50/50 raffle and a Chinese Auction. Hanging baskets will be sold by our Youth Group and all profits from the entire event will go directly to Austin. If you need more information, wish to make a donation, or wish to assist in making this a successful event, please call Mary Jane Jurofcik, St. Francis of Assisi High School Ministry Team Leader, at 724-344-2444.

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