Wantagh fundraiser at Mulcahy’s supports treatment for Gia Byrne

Gia Byrne was diagnosed with severe autism at 18 months old. Although she was not born terminally ill, her father, Brian Byrne, expressed the challenges of raising a child with autism amid limited resources.

Now, Brian and his wife, Jacqui, are hoping to raise money for a stem cell procedure for Gia, which could potentially repair or replace damaged cells. The fundraiser, sponsored by the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, will take place on Oct. 10 at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh.

“It’s been 11 years, and we haven’t asked anyone for help,” Byrne said. “We realized that we need help. We can’t do it by ourselves anymore.”

One of the few resources available for families with special needs children is Nassau BOCES, a public organization that provides educational programs and services to 56 school districts in the county. While these programs aim to help children with autism learn and integrate into society, Gia has struggled to make friends due to her non-verbal status, according to Brian.

Brian works a blue-collar job, but it is insufficient to cover all of Gia’s needs. Due to her food sensitivities, she eats only a handful of items, like cheese pizza from a specific place. However, she rarely finishes a whole pizza, making it an expensive option.

Stem cell procedures are not guaranteed to be effective for individuals with autism, and if successful, the effects may not be permanent.

“[It] can be anywhere between $20,000 and $60,000 for one procedure, and it’s not something that’s permanent,” Brian said. “Who has that money? No one has that money. That’s why we’re really doing this fundraiser and reaching out to everybody to try to help and even get the word out.”

The Byrnes initially considered a stem cell institute in Arizona but later found Dr. Chad Prodromos, who credits his institution's research for different types of stem cell treatments. Gia’s treatment will occur in Glenview, Illinois, adding another expense for the family, especially since her Medicaid was denied.

In addition to Gia, the Byrnes have a 17-year-old son, Kristopher. Gia “absolutely loves him,” but Brian feels it’s unfair that most of the attention is directed toward Gia.

Jacqui also aims to raise funds for a cubby bed for Gia, which is a padded bed with a built-in tent to create an enclosed atmosphere. This cubby bed would provide Gia with a secure space and include a light and camera for monitoring.

Additionally, Jacqui wishes to secure funding for horse therapy in Old Westbury. A study published in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders found that “a 10-week therapeutic horseback riding intervention with children diagnosed with [autism spectrum disorder] can result in significant improvement.” Interaction with animals can be therapeutic for individuals with or without autism.

“It’s for her. I’ll do everything for her,” Brian said.

The fundraiser for Gia will take place on Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. at Mulcahy’s. The event will feature an open bar and buffet, live music, and raffles with various prizes. For more information, contact John Theissen at john@jtcf.org. Tickets can be purchased by visiting Eventbrite.com and searching for “An Evening for Gia.”