Riverview Community Action Corp. to Host Fundraiser for Young Boy

Oakmont residents have come together to help a local family whose little boy is battling a rare congenital birth defect.

A rummage sale fundraiser supporting the Orbin family of Oakmont will be held on Sept. 9 from 1 to 7 p.m. and Sept. 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at . Donation drop-off will be held Sept. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Last year, Dave and Beth Orbin's son, Will, was diagnosed with Arnold-Chiari malformation, which characterized by abnormalities in the area where the brain and spinal cord meet. The malformation has caused
severe damage to Will’s nervous system, affecting his motor skills, triggering acute headaches, causing an extreme loss of balance and hindering his overall ability to walk and play without difficultly.

He underwent brain and spinal surgery in December 2010. However, Will continues to experience headaches and must attend several physical therapy sessions each week. He possibly will need more surgery and therapy to reverse the damage caused by the defect.

All proceeds from the rummage sale will be donated to help the family pay for medical expenses.

Gretchen Ley-Biondich, the Orbin family's neighbor, said in a letter to the community that she wanted to reach out to them.

We see their struggles first-hand on a daily basis, and yet these proud hard-working people have not once asked for our assistance," she wrote. "But I know with a little help and the support of the community, we can relieve some of the burden and stress this family has to bear, and most importantly return Will to running, kicking, jumping, and swinging the bat that knocks the ball out of the park."