Community rallying around Baby Aiden
By Staff
Melissa Cason
Franklin County Times
Community members are rushing to the aid of little Aiden Bundy by sponsoring drives and collecting money to help support his family as they struggle to purchase much needed equipment and supplies.
Everyday is a day of struggle for 10-month-old Aiden and his parents, Dawn and Scotty Bundy of Russellville.
Aiden suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a genetic disease that damages nerves from the spinal core resulting in loss of muscle control including muscles that control vital organs such as the lungs.
Several individuals have stepped up to the plate in an attempt to get Aiden things he needs, including diapers and medical supplies.
Family friend K.K. Edgil-Hargett said that she is collecting diapers and other supplies for Aiden, along with accepting monetary donations.
"We had a drive for him in October, but now we are in the midst of another one," Hargett said.
Since last Friday, she has collected hundreds of dollars to go to help little Aiden and Hargett said she was able to purchase two pieces of medical equipment.
"Most of the money collected was given for a specific cause, like medical equipment, diapers and meals for his parents," Hargett said.
Hargett added any money not used for medical supplies for Aiden will be donated to SMA research.
"Every dime I get is documented and there is an explanation for every penny spent for Aiden," Hargett said. "And, if he doesn't need it anymore, any left over money will go to help fund research for SMA."
Hargett is also collecting diapers, size 4, wipes, baby bath, and hypo-allergenic laundry detergent.
Hargett is not alone. Local salon owner Dot Benson is also collecting money for baby Aiden, and she wants to challenged all of the local salons to join her.
"We have already collected $200 and more is coming everyday," Benson said. "I want all the hair salons to get involved with this cause."
Aiden's condition has begun to deteriorate even more, and he is currently at Children's Hospital in Birmingham due to problems with breathing and his blood-oxygen levels.
Aiden's mother, Dawn, said that his condition has improved a little and doctors expect him to released from the hospital later this week.
For more information on Aiden's condition, visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/aidenbundy, and more information on SMA can be found at www.fsma.org.
For more information on how to give locally to help Aiden, contact K.K. Hargett at 256-381-6470.
