Car, motorcycle show to help boy with MLD

Hundreds of cars and motorcycles are expected to be on display.

STAFF REPORT

CANFIELD — The 10th annual Joshua Walker Benefit Car & Motorcycle Show is Sunday from 2 to 7 p.m. at Emmanuel Community Church, 6512 Kirk Road.

Joshua, an 11-year-old Austintown resident, suffers from the rare disease metachromatic leukodystrophy, or MLD. He is the son of Frank and Sandy Walker.

“Josh is a living miracle, long outliving the expected prognosis for this terminal and incurable disease,” said Lisa Loveless, church administrator. “His presence is a regular fixture in our church and community, and his life and the lives of his family touch countless people on a daily basis.”

MLD attacks the brain and nervous system causing muscle spasms, seizures, paralysis and respiratory problems. Joshua uses a wheelchair, is unable to speak or perform any voluntary movements, and is fed through a feeding tube.

Proceeds from the event help with the enormous costs his condition incurs, only a small portion of which are covered by insurance, Loveless said.

In addition to hundreds of cars and motorcycles on display, there are other events, including a Chinese auction, bake sale, DJ and live entertainment, 50/50 raffle, food and hair-a-thon.

Financial contributions can be made to the Joshua Walker Benefit Fund, in care of Lisa Loveless, Emmanuel Community Church, 6512 Kirk Road, Canfield, Ohio 44406, or to any First National Bank.

alcorn@vindy.com