Lexington boy with rare disease surprised at local fundraiser

LEXINGTON, Mass. — If you ask Liam Ryan's parents, their son is one in a million; a fun little guy, who's about to celebrate his 6th birthday.

But he's also one in 500,000 diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening autoimmune disease called juvenile myositis.

"The disease affects all of the healthy muscles, tissues, joints, ligaments and skins, where the white blood cells are attacking, so it's attacking the healthy muscles," said Luke Ryan, Liam's dad.

But Liam's parents are fighting back, hosting a fundraiser Sunday at Kings Bowling in Burlington. Through bowling, games and face painting, they're hoping to bring awareness and research to this disease.

Liam is undergoing treatment.

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"Thank God it's working, but he does have a very large regiment," said Liz Ryan, Liam's mom.

So his parent's hoped Sunday's big surprise will help lift his spirits. The soon-to-be 6-year-old was joined by members of the Bentley University football team, which Liam is an honorary member of.

He also received a special call from a very special mouse.

Liam found out that, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he'll be heading to Disney World.

Cox Media Group