WHHS Alum Seeks Help As He Fights Rare Disease

West Haven High School 2016 alumnus Darrius Jones has been diagnosed with a rare illness, called Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease,  and he is raising money to buy braces he needs for his legs.

WHHS alumnus Darrius Jones is seeking donations as he fights a rare disease.

His goal is to reach $16,000, and he has made $3,235 as of today.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth is an inherited neurological disease that affects speech, walking, breathing, and swallowing. Jones has had symptoms of the disease since childhood and his exact type is unknown.

He recently reached out to the West Haven community for support and started a Go Fund Me page because his insurance isn’t covering all of his medical expenses.

Jones described himself as kind-hearted and trustworthy.

“You can put your faith in me,” he said, adding that his diagnosis has not made him hopeless.

“I want people to know you have a chance. I’m a fighter,” he said.

Choral teacher Phyllis Silver shared her appreciation of Jones and sent him well wishes. She said he sang bass in Chorus and Bel Canto from 2012 to 2016.

He deserves every joy that life has to offer.

— Phyllis Silver, choral teacher

“He was one of the sweetest and nicest students I have ever taught,” Ms. Silver said. “He was a great friend to all. He always had a kind word to say to everyone. He was always positive.”

She said she always teased him about his handsome face and always joked with him about getting an A in his “handsome lessons.” She added that she always worried about him falling because his balance was unsteady.

“I am glad that he finally has a diagnosis regarding his health,” she said. “I hope he gets the money to purchase the braces that he needs to improve the quality of life. He deserves every joy that life has to offer.”

https://www.gofundme.com/regaining-independence-for-darrius