Fundraiser is Saturday for son of Irving Convention Center employee

On Saturday, Bryan Street Tavern in Dallas will host a fundraiser for Wyatt Smith, 9, who is battling Neimann-Pic Disease (NPC) Type C, a progressive, degenerative disease caused by problems with cholesterol storage in the body. Currently without a cure, NPC Type C strikes 1 in approximately 150,000 people – usually infants and children. The fundraiser, set for 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. (kid-friendly until 9 p.m.) will feature food, music, a raffle and silent auction. Proceeds will go towards the purchase of a specially trained service dog and other medical needs for Wyatt. Cost for the entire evening is $25 per person. Bryan Street Tavern is at 4315 Bryan Street in East Dallas. Wyatt – whose father, Kevin Smith oversees the catering department at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas – loves donuts with sprinkles, and watching his big brother’s football games and track meets. In August 2012, Wyatt was diagnosed with epilepsy and cataplexy, a disorder that causes frequent sudden falls without warning. Then in February of 2013, he was diagnosed with NPC Type 3. Researchers are working on a cure. The disease is always fatal.  For more information about Wyatt, or to make an on-line donation, visit at gofundme.com/24jzz8