The local community will come together Saturday to support a young boy battling a rare and devastating illness.

A basket raffle to benefit Silas Smith, a 4-year-old diagnosed with CLN2, will take place at the Palmerton Sokol Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

CLN2, also known as Batten disease, is an extremely rare and terminal condition with no cure.

Smith, who lives in Harrisburg with his parents but has family ties to the local area, was born a healthy child on Aug. 8, 2019. However, things took a turn in September 2022 when he experienced his first seizure. After a series of seizures and multiple hospital visits, he was diagnosed with CLN2 around April 2023. This condition, his family said, is expected to gradually take away his mobility, vision, and speech in the coming years.

Silas undergoes enzyme replacement therapy every two weeks in Washington, D.C., where he receives brain injections to help slow the progression of the disease.

The basket raffle was organized to help offset costs with the travel, accommodation, and food expenses.

Saturday’s event will feature a variety of prizes, including big-ticket items and baked goods. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event. Attendees can enjoy fresh baked goods and other refreshments while supporting the cause.

The drawing will take place at 3 p.m., and participants do not need to be present to win.