Elifest raises $3,600 for Geelong resident in need

A FUNDRAISER for an eight-year-old Geelong boy with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome has raised more than $3,600, giving his family some financial reprieve during what has been a remarkably difficult time.

More than 100 people attended ‘Elifest’ at the Barwon Club Hotel on Saturday afternoon, an event that supported Elijah Presilski, a young boy who has a rare condition that affects the connective tissues of the body, making his joints prone to dislocation.

More than 15 bands and DJs volunteered their time at the event, while an array of local businesses got behind a raffle that was said to be one of the highlights of the day.

Elifest organiser and family friend Monique Chester said the show of support from the community was fantastic and would certainly go a long way in assisting Elijah and Lisa with paying for medical expenses and healthcare visits.

“The event was just brilliant; it was a fantastic day and everything went very swimmingly from an entertainment point of view.

“There was plenty going on with all the music and then we also had a colouring corner for the kids which was a big hit.

“Elijah came down for a couple of hours during the day to catch the action too which was absolutely amazing.”

Elijah’s mother Lisa Lewis said the family was “overwhelmed” with the collective community response to the event.

“It was really good, Monique kept it a secret from us for a long time,” Lewis said.

“It’s been a pretty hard slog so we are super appreciative for the support.

“Elijah was just smiling from ear to ear the whole time, he didn’t want to leave.”

Recently, Elijah and his family received news regarding the degradation of his spine, with specialists saying there is nothing more that can be done.

Elijah’s friends and family are not accepting the answer and remain optimistic of getting more medical assistance.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to support him and his mother Lisa during this difficult time.

The hope is to buy Elijah an electric wheelchair, which will help him move around freely and independently.

To donate, head to gofundme.com/f/help-eli-and-lisas-health-journey