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Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity will hold an event Monday they call "Buzz-A-Chi" to benefit 9-year-old Ian Swarr of Washington Boro, who has epidermolysis bullosa, a genetic disorder characterized by extremely fragile skin and recurrent blistering.
During the fundraiser, to run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., students passing by the main entrance of the Student Memorial Center can bid on chances to shave the heads of Lambda Chi Alpha or Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity members.
Lambda Chi Alpha's Chris Torres and Pat Egan, who heads philanthropic projects for the fraternity, said they thought it would be more meaningful to raise money for a local cause rather than a national one.
Torres and Egan learned about Ian, a third-grader at Central Manor Elementary School, through Children's Miracle Network and met with him several weeks ago.
"It was really exciting to meet him," Egan said. "He's a regular, fun, run-of-the-mill 9-year-old kid, but he's got this incredible debilitating disease."
Torres also said he enjoyed meeting Ian.
"I was glad to put a face to the cause," Torres said. "It made me want to raise more money."
Ian's mother, Delicia Bolin, said she is grateful for the fraternity's help.
"Having a special need just isn't easy," Bolin said. "This helps make life better."
The disease has left 75 percent of Ian's skin infected and has damaged some of his organs and his esophagus. Because of that, Ian is limited to eating only special soft foods.
During the last few weeks, Ian has had difficulty managing his pain and chronic anemia, which has required several visits to Hershey Medical Center, Bolin said.
Although Ian relies on a wheelchair and endures painful bandage changes every day, Bolin said he is very cheerful.
"He's definitely a unique and very special kid," Bolin said. "For all he goes through each day, most people can't imagine going through in a lifetime. The pain he goes through is incredible. But he always has a smile on his face."
Bolin hopes Ian will be feeling better in time for a trip next month to a Colorado horse ranch courtesy of Make-A-Wish Foundation.
As of Thursday, the fraternity had raised about $800 for Ian by spreading the word about the fundraiser through local media outlets, posters, the Internet and direct appeals for donations. The fraternity hopes to raise more than $3,000.
For a small donation Monday, students can shave a swath of hair. People who make the largest donations will be allowed to buzz an entire head.
Local barber Rick Kautz of Manor Barber Shop will be on hand to smooth out the amateur haircuts.
Monday's fundraiser is one of many that have been held to help pay Ian's medical expenses.
In 2006, Ephrata Rescue Services raised about $60,000 to build a first-floor bedroom/treatment room for Ian. Darrenkamp's food stores also have raised money.
Because Ian is a huge fan of firefighters and will be present at the event, area firefighters — along with a firetruck and EMS vehicles — also will make an appearance.
Egan said he's proud his fraternity is raising money for Ian.
"The community has helped us out," Egan said. "I feel like we have to give back."
Torres said it's especially gratifying to see progress being made.
"We get to see how our work is benefiting somebody," Torres said. "It's very rewarding."
Egan said the experience has made him realize the power of teamwork.
"We can make a difference," Egan said. "Young people can make a difference — if you put the effort forward."
Anyone interested in making a donation can call Torres at 989-3483.
E-mail: mpennino@lnpnews.com
