Lorie (left) and Paul Carey (right) of Carey Optical, with Olivia Little in 2016. Photo submitted

August is past and if you are familiar with Saugeen Shores, you may know why there were purple bows and banners on businesses and private residences throughout town. In Saugeen Shores, August is Cystinosis awareness month and the Liv-A-Little Foundation’s Paint the Town Purple campaign, where members of the community pull together to help raise awareness and find a cure for this rare, life threatening disease that afflicts just 75 children in Canada and about 2,000 world-wide, including Saugeen Shores’ Olivia Little. Those afflicted with the genetic disease endure a strict regimen of around the clock medication designed to slow the destruction of the body’s major organs. There is currently no cure and no public research funding.

After being faced with the devastating news that their little girl had Cystinosis, Erin and Chad Little took action and founded the Liv-A-Little Foundation, a non-profit organization that is committed to supporting the advancement of treatments and ultimately finding a cure for Cystinosis. They educate, promote and fund research. Together, with their team of dedicated volunteers, they organize events such as the Swing, Shoot & Liv Golf Classic in September.

All of the funds raised by the Liv-A-Little Foundation go directly to the advancement of treatment and research for a cure.

The Liv-A-Little Foundation also partners with the business community and Carey Optical in Port Elgin has stepped up to the plate. For the third year, every time someone purchases a pair of prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses at Carey Optical during the month of September, Lorie and Paul will donate 10% of the purchase price to the Liv-A-Little Foundation.

It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child and in Port Elgin and Southampton that many do what they can to help Olivia and children like her manage, and hopefully one day overcome, Cystinosis.

For more information about the Liv-A-Little Foundation, visit www.livalittlefoundation.com. To learn more about Cystinosis, go to www.cystinosis.ca.