Sereno Warriors First Annual Benefit and Auction

Eleven-year-old Salvatore Sereno and his brother, five-year-old Giovanni suffer from Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD). It causes the degeneration in the white matter of the brain and Central Nervous System. This disease breaks down the communication between the nerves and the brain, resulting in a loss of functions, paralysis, blindness and seizures. Their parents, Carmelo and Lina Sereno, with the help of a group of “sisters” from Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) High School, have organized the Sereno Warriors fund.On Saturday, Sept. 20, the Sereno Warriors will be having its first annual benefit and auction. Held at Notre Dame Hall at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, 545 60th Street, admission for adults is $40, and for children ages 7 to 12, admission is $20.There will be food and drinks, as well as t-shirts for sale. All the proceeds will go to the Sereno family to help with medical bills, cost of medical supplies for the boys and the special nourishment needed for Salvatore.Salvatore began to show signs of illness while in kindergarten. In 2009, he was diagnosed with MLD. Upon learning it was genetic; Giovanni was tested and was diagnosed with MLD a month after his brother.“Sal and Giovanni have so much courage as they have been through so many exams, procedures, and surgeries while Lina and Mel have the skills to care for their boys, manage their medications/doctors and their overall well-being. So, together, they are the Sereno Warriors,” said Beth Cassidy, one of Lina’s OLPH sistersIf you are unable to attend, but want to help, you can do so by sending a donation by check or by visiting serenowarriors.com.