Franklin Square strives to find a cure

For the first time, the TKO Strong Foundation will hold a fundraiser for those affected by intestinal failure. TKO, or Thomas Kevin Onorato, is the 1 and a ½ year-old son of Tom and Melissa Onorato, and suffers form a rare illness known as Micovillus Inclusion Disease. After establishing the TKO Strong Foundation, Tom and Melissa will hold their first event at Plattdeutsche Park Biergarten on Sept. 12. The event will have live music, raffles and food from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a donation of $25 for attendees over 12. This will be the kick off for the foundation inspired by Thomas and dedicated to helping all those who suffer from the same disease that he does.

When he was born, Thomas appeared to be a healthy, enthusiastic infant. Within days of coming home from the hospital, however, his kidneys shut down and he was incubated to keep him alive. Tom and Melissa knew something was wrong with their son. After a series of tests, doctors diagnosed Thomas as having Microvillus Inclusion Disease (MID). This means his can’t properly digest food and must rely on thin tubing through his stomach that sends him the necessary nutrients to survive. Now he keeps moving forward through constant hospital visits to monitor his intestinal failure that was brought on by the disease. His second birthday is coming up and, while he will not be eating cake with the rest of his friends and family, they are all grateful he has made it this far.

Most children suffering from MID don’t make it past infancy. There is no cure for such a rare disease, but modern technology and medicine is making the battle against it easier to fight. Since the most prominent people and organizations dedicated to intestinal failure are overseas, Melissa and Tom have been working with the doctor at the forefront of such research, Hins Clezers, of the Netherlands.

The TKO Strong Foundation sends its funds to support the doctor’s efforts along with other research centers that work toward finding a cure.