72°F
weather icon Clear

Community comes to aid of ill child

When the Bonar family’s friends and neighbors learned that 13-year-old JC Bonar would have tests today to determine whether he needs a kidney and liver transplant, they sprang to action. In just four days, they organized a fundraiser JC’s mom, Jamie Bonar, said.

JC and his 11-year-old brother Justin have methylmalonic acidemia, a genetically transmitted disorder in which the body cannot break down certain proteins and fats.

Several medical sources say methylmalonic acidemia can cause life-threatening conditions including seizures and strokes. Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, states that the condition is an inborn error of metabolism.

JC Bonar is a typical 13-year-old who enjoys sports, especially wrestling. His big concern is that he won’t be able to wrestle again if he gets the transplants, his mom said.

Jamie Bonar said she was overwhelmed by Sunday’s fundraiser bike ride to the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, organized by the family’s Boulder City friends and neighbors. She was also grateful for donations by the Pioneer Saloon’s owner.

Michele and John Kaposta, Bonar family neighbors who own Tony’s Pizza in downtown Boulder City, opened their restaurant for the fundraiser because they knew JC Bonar’s condition was worsening and his trip to the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Stanford, Calif., was nearing.

Jamie Bonar said, “To look at JC, you would never know there is anything wrong with him.” But over the summer, his regular blood tests showed serious results. He would need more tests and treatment.

JC Bonar has not yet undergone kidney dialysis. But his mom said she’ll decide on that Nov. 15 after tests and consultations. Her son is on the transplant list but won’t become an active participant until Dec. 1.

Although JC Bonar is tired and facing two possible surgeries, he’s remained positive, his mother said.

“He’s a great kid. He’s positive all the time,” Jamie Bonar said. “To know him is to love him. He’s a very kind soul.”

Jamie Bonar, who works part time at Jack’s Place and two days a week for the Henderson constable’s office, is the family’s only breadwinner. Her husband, Joe Bonar, has been out of work for the past three years.

When discussing her family situation, Jamie Bonar said, “As a family, we’re just trying to stay positive. We talk about everything because my worst fear is that he (JC) becomes afraid. I don’t want him to be afraid of anything going on with the process.”

On Monday, the day after the fundraiser bike ride, Michele Kaposta said, “It all turned out awesome,” and they raised $4,000 from the event.

Jamie and Joe Bonar thanked their friends, Shannon and Elena Carroll and Michele and John Kaposta, for organizing the bike ride, obtaining donations and creating JC’s Facebook page. The page, created Nov. 1, already has 263 likes.

Donation buckets are displayed at Jack’s Place and at Tony’s Pizza. And at Garrett Junior High School, where JC Bonar is a seventh-grader, students will bring in loose change to donate toward JC’s treatment.

Jamie Bonar said she had no idea about the possible transplants’ costs, but added that she’d know more today when she and her son fly to California.

MOST READ
LISTEN TO THE TOP FIVE HERE
THE LATEST
Search for Central Market tenant continues

It’s been just short of two months since of a trio of friends, who are also longtime local property and business owners, made an announcement that piqued the interest of many in Boulder City.

About 83% of students feel safe at BC schools

Councilwoman Sherri Jorgensen was full of praise regarding a recent all-schools event at the high school.

Local aid groups get fed grant funding

The city has approved disbursement of almost $255,000 in federally-supplied community development block grant (CDBG) funds to three local entities: the Senior Center, Emergency Aid and Lend A Hand.

Planning commission approves Tract 350 variance request

Toll Brothers bettered their record in front of the planning commission to 2-1 last month when the developer got approval for a variance request related to the width of lots in Tract 350.

Kicking Off the New Year

Boulder City High School held its traditional back-to-school assembly this past Friday. School spirit and enthusiasm filled the gym as classes competed against one another to hold the coveted Spirit Stick. Aside from games, members of the fall sports teams performed to songs.

BC Electric’s Medo makes accusations about e-bike/scooter law

While the great majority of public comment surrounding the issues of unsafe usage — often by juveniles — of e-bikes and electric scooters was firmly on the side of the city “doing something,” not everyone is onboard.

So where does that RDA money come from?

It wasn’t all about donuts or whether super bright pink is an appropriate color for a building in the historic district. In addition to donuts it was about, well, dollars.

King to participate in essay contest

Last week, it was announced that fourth graders throughout the state are invited to participate in an essay contest, with the winner receiving the honor of lighting the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C.

Really better buy that helmet

With a couple of significant amendments, the city council voted unanimously to pass an ordinance regulating the use of e-bikes and e-scooters in Boulder City. The ordinance passed unanimously Tuesday and will take effect on Sept. 18.