LAPLACE — In hopes of helping a local child with muscular dystrophy gain greater mobility, the Ascension of Our Lord Knights of Columbus Council 9623 is selling jambalaya and white beans next week.

Dominic Hoffman, a fourth grader at Ascension of Our Lord, has used a rented wheelchair since August.

School supporters are hoping to raise money to purchase an electric wheelchair and a disability transport van for the 10-year-old.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, muscular dystrophies are genetic disorders that cause muscle weakness. There is no cure, but acting early helps an individual lead a fuller life.

Dominic must use a wheelchair to get around in school and needs assistance with many of life’s daily chores. However, he maintains full use of his upper half and displays a positive outlook on life. According to his fourth grade teacher Shannon Cosse, Dominic enjoys drawing and hanging out with his friends.

“Dominic is very well liked by his classmates,” Cosse said. “He is a happy kid. What I love most about him is that he doesn’t seem to be bothered by his situation. His overall domineer is ‘I’m happy to be here and I’m going to do the best that I can.’ His attitude is phenomenal considering what he is going through.”

Cosse said Dominic’s ability is stronger than his disability.

“It doesn’t seem to stop him from wanting to do things,” she said. “The want is there, which is good for his self-esteem. He doesn’t ever complain.

“He is never left alone and the students always want to help him. They sometimes fight over him. He is definitely loved by his classmates. He is a great kid and he deserves any help that we can give him. He deserves the best.”

A jambalaya and white beans lunch and dinner fundraiser is planned from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Ascension of Our Lord School, 1809 Greenwood Drive in LaPlace.

Those interested in contributing can buy a plate of $8, and donations are also welcome.

According to grand knight of the Columbus Council Michael Abbate, those interested don’t need to call ahead to pick up meals. They just need to bring their money in exchange for a plate.

Those wishing to donate can do so at the event, drop off donations at the church rectory or mail them to the Knights of Columbus at P.O. Box 1208 LaPlace.

“We saw a need there and we’re going to do something for him,” Abbate said.

Advocate and member of the Knights’ fundraising committee Larry Larousse said charity work is a big part of the organization.

“When an opportunity comes up that works with charity, we take it,” Larousse said.

“We take on the responsibility of getting something done. We were approached by the school and the church to see if we could do something to help this child with his mobility. He is confined to a chair and he has something temporarily for the time being but he is going to need something of his own in the long run.

“It’s a lot less expensive that way. Besides the chair, his family is trying to get a handicap accessible van to assists with his disabilities.”

Larousse said Dominic has been able to adapt to his disability.

“Its heartwarming to see (people with disabilities) not seeing themselves as disabled,” Larousse said. “They might say ‘no, I don’t get out and run around like a other children but I can play with them and I can do things.’ It’s heartwarming to see that ability in young people.”

Abbate, who interacts with Dominic at school, said the fourth grader has several people on call to assist him.

“He is a very nice boy, very quiet,” Abbate said. “I haven’t heard of him having trouble with grades or anything at school. If you watch him at recess with the other kids, they run around and he runs around with them in his wheelchair. He looks like he is adapting to the situation God gave him.”

Both men hope as many people as possible support the fundraiser and help Dominic get his own electric wheelchair and transportation van.

— By Raquel Derganz Baker