TQLA, the Southwest restaurant and tequila bar in Mesa, is raising money today for Ethan Heiken, a two-year-old boy with life-threatening Denys-Drash Syndrome.
Ethan was diagnosed with the extremely rare disease (only 150 cases have been diagnosed worldwide) in July. Victims suffer kidney dysfunction, cancerous kidney tumors, and sexual development problems.
After six weeks of chemotherapy, Ethan underwent surgery to remove his kidney and testicles last month. He’s currently undergoing six sessions of radiation and 19 more weeks of chemotherapy.
He’ll then have his remaining kidney removed and spend a minimum of two years on dialysis before being eligible for a kidney transplant.
From 11 a.m.-10 p.m. today, TQLA will donate 25% of all food and drink sales to help Ethan’s parents, Christy and Joe Heiken, with their medical expenses. There also will be a silent auction from 5-7 p.m. at the Dana Park eatery.
For those unable to get to TQLA, donations are being taken by Bank of America, in care of Ethan Heiken, account #457028302812.
