‘Hearts for Jax’ brings businesses together to raise money for 11-year-old boy battling autoimmune disease
By Jordan Cioppa
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ZELIENOPLE, Pennsylvania (WTAE) — Eleven-year-old Jax Ramirez walks through life with a different set of challenges than most kids his age.
“Jax is in a clinical trial for his IPEX, which is a super rare autoimmune disorder that’s life-threatening,” said Jax’s mom, Missy Ramirez.
Phase one of the trial at Stanford required Jax and his family to live in California for nine months.
“There is no cure or treatment for IPEX. We are on the forefront of science and research, and so this could be life-changing for Jax,” Ramirez said.
That makes phase two critical, but according to Ramirez, it’s going to take $2 million for it to happen.
That’s where Jax’s community comes in.
“I think it’s great the community of Zelienople is all coming together,” said John Blum with Harmony Fire District 22.
The Zelienople Rotary Club teamed up with a long list of local businesses to put on a fundraiser called “Hearts for Jax” on Tuesday evening.
“When anything happens to anyone in this town, the Rotary is there to jump on it and do whatever they can,” said Charlie Deer, the former president of the organization.
Fellow Rotary member Rebecca McClincy shared a similar sentiment.
“This town is special, the way they come together, it’s like family,” McClincy told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 reporter Jordan Cioppa.
Many of the businesses along Main Street donated part of their profits from the night to Jax and his family to help get to the $2 million goal.
“We support all small businesses around here and the families that are from around here,” said Mike Hall, who owns The Munching Moose, a bakery that participated in the fundraiser.
Jax spent his night out on the town visiting and thanking the businesses. He even got to enjoy the “Jax Burger” at Burghers Brewing.
“It’s just a double patty burger with pickles and bacon on it,” Jax said.
Hearts for Jax was a clear example of a small town coming together to make a big difference.
“If we can raise the 2 million dollars and get through phase two, it could become a national, worldwide treatment for all boys living with IPEX,” said Jax’s mom.
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