CENTRE — The 2nd Annual Team Ian's Extravaganza is Oct. 11 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Centre First Baptist Church Recreation Outreach Center (ROC), organizers announced last week.

Team Ian's Extravaganza is named for Ian Ellis, the son of Wae and Mary Ellis. Ian was born with Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata (RCDP), a rare, terminal genetic disorder.

The event will feature a silent auction, inflatables, safari rides, face painting and tattoos, and sports activities. Big Al and Aubie will be at the event from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. to take pictures with Alabama and Auburn fans. Pictures are $5. There will also be wristbands for $10 that will allow children to take part in the rides, games and other activities.

All proceeds will go towards research to find a successful treatment for RCDP.
"RCDP is a condition where children ... do not grow normally, have developmental delays, cataracts, hearing loss, seizures, limited movement and trouble eating," Mary Ellis said. "There is no treatment to better these children's lives and there is no cure."

Ellis said when Ian was born Oct. 16, 2007, he was given less than nine months to live. Soon after, Wae and Mary formed a support group for families of children with RCDP and started a non-profit organization called Rhizo Kids International.

Over the past two years, the group has raised around $100,000, and hopes to raise another $40,000 next Sunday. The money will be used to fund the first experimental drug trial for RCDP children around the world.

Ellis said the research on RCDP is being conducted at Johns Hopkins University, Kennedy Krieger Institute, and McGill University in Canada.

For more information, visit Ian's website at www.caringbridge.org/visit/ianandyellis.