Fund drive to benefit city man

YOUNGSTOWN -- Give the Children a Chance Inc., headed by executive director Kathryn Hawks Haney, is sponsoring a fund drive to benefit Robert Bonner Sr. of Youngstown, who has neurosarcoidosis.
The condition, which began as pulmonary sarcoidosis, has affected Bonner's ability to walk. At first, he used a cane and now is in a wheelchair.
Pulmonary sarcoidosis causes loss of lung volume, impairing breathing. Sarcoidosis is a progressive multi-system disease and more commonly affects blacks than whites. Neurosarcoidosis refers to the neurological manifestations of the disease including muscle weakness and numbness in various parts of the body.
Bonner, 52, must stay in an extended-care facility until his home can be remodeled with a handicapped-accessible bathroom and other modified living space. A wheelchair ramp already has been built.
Bonner, who served in the U.S. Air Force, is married to the former Gwendolyn Thomas. Their family includes four children.
Donations may be sent to Give the Children a Chance, 20 Federal Plaza West Suite 3, Youngstown, 44503-1420. Donations should indicate account 9525 or say Bonner in the memo section.
Donations also are being accepted at National City banks in care of Give the Children a Chance/account 9525.