Thursday, October 1, 2026
Community members are invited to gather in support of 4-year-old Hailey Grace McCormack, a Seaford girl living with a rare genetic disorder, during a special fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall.
The event, titled “A Day for Hailey,” begins at 1 p.m. and will feature live music, food, drinks, raffles and a live auction — all to benefit Hailey and her family. Tickets are $80 for adults ages 21 and over, $35 for attendees ages 6 to 20, and free for children 5 and under. Each ticket includes food, desserts, beverages, and for those of age, a top-shelf open bar.
All proceeds from the event will go directly to Hailey’s family, with support from the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, a Wantagh-based nonprofit that helps children in need. Donations are tax-deductible through the foundation.
Hailey was diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome, or AGS, a rare genetic condition that affects the brain, spinal cord and immune system. AGS is a form of leukodystrophy, a group of disorders that damage the white matter of the brain. The disease causes the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues, leading to a range of developmental and neurological challenges.
According to Hailey’s mother, Jennifer McCormack, it took time to find a diagnosis. Because Hailey was so young and her condition so rare, doctors were not initially concerned, but Rosenberg noticed troubling signs.
“She was regressing right in front of me,” McCormack said. “She had so many words, she had sentences, she was walking fine, and then slowly I started to see this regression from her.”
Despite the diagnosis, Hailey’s family describes her as a bright and determined child who continues to inspire everyone around her. Through their website, Hailey’s Grace, her mother, Jennifer Rosenberg, shares the family’s journey — one marked by both challenges and hope.
The family hopes that sharing Hailey’s story will help spread awareness about AGS and encourage others facing rare conditions to find community and support.
“We are trying to raise funds that goes towards research, specifically research towards AGS,” McCormack said, “because even though there are some things that are helpful towards treating it, it doesn’t cure it.”
The fundraiser is intended not only to assist with Hailey’s ongoing care, but also to bring the community together in solidarity with families facing similar challenges.
“I just want people to hear Hailey’s story and just have other people aware,” she said. “I just want parents to know that if they feel that something isn’t right, then they’re probably right. Parents know best.”
“A Day for Hailey” is open to all ages, with the theme “party for a purpose.”
Tickets can be purchased at givebutter.com/adayforhailey
