One family’s ALD fight

Last summer, Frani Broussard Denenburg (pictured, top right), along with five other members of her immediate family, including (pictured, from left) her younger brother Vinnie Broussard, mother Marian Broussard (seated), 5-year-old daughter Giorgiana, 2-year-old son Oliver and younger brother Patrick were diagnosed within several weeks of each other with a rare, neurodegenerative disease called adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Frani and her family sprang into action, researching and contacting specialists around the country. Frani has flown to California and Boston for face-to-face meetings with doctors. The family has recently created a foundation, Arrivederci ALD (“goodbye” in Italian, a nod to their Italian roots). Funds will go towards researching more treatments and a cure. The foundation’s inaugural fundraising event, Arrivederci ALD, will be held Nov. 2, 3-7 p.m., at a private home, with a brainstorming-session kickoff event for the host committee in September at wine bar Merchant Cafe. At Arrivederci ALD, guests can mangia e bevi Italian food, beer, and wine and there will also be music, children’s activities, and a silent auction. Tickets are $60 for adults and $25 for children. See arrivederciALD.org.

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