PARISHVILLE -- Team Hunter, a group dedicated  to helping support the family of  Hunter John Van Ells, has set up a vendor and craft fair on Sunday, Sept. 9 at the Parishville Fire Hall from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Hunter was born on March 23, 2018 with a very rare genetic defect called CDP X1 (Chondrodysplasia punctata). The defect affects bone and cartilage development. Children with this defect develop abnormalities in the respiratory tract due to narrow airways. Hunter was born with cataracts on both eyes and has already undergone surgery to remove them.

Unfortunately artificial lenses cannot be put in until he is older. For now he must rely on glasses to see. Hunter also has a feeding tube which is the only way for him to get the necessary nutrition he needs. Hunter will experience global developmental delays and will require a variety of different therapies as he gets older. Most of Hunter’s physicians and services are located in Syracuse. There is also a doctor in Delaware who specializes in the care of children like Hunter.

Funds raised from this event will help the family with travel cost to his providers in Syracuse and Delaware.

Additionally it will help provide for the supplies needed to care for Hunter. To donations can be sent to Team Hunter at Seacomm Federal Credit Union, 6 Sisson St., Potsdam 13676.