Family of Youngster Battling Birth Defect Asks the Public's Support

The family of young Zachary Cannon, who is battling a birth defect, is asking the public’s help in supporting the family’s fight and the mission of the American Heart Association.

On Sept. 11, the Chili's at 707 Grand Ave. in Diamond Bar, will host a fundraiser at the restaurant from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. A portion of sales will be donated to Heart Association.

Zachary will be greeting people at the eatery between 5 – 8 p.m.

Zachary, 6, was born with DiGeorge Syndrome and had heart surgery at 9-days-old, according to his family. The child’s heart is slightly rotated and the arch goes the opposite way.

Recently another birth defect called a Bicuspid Aortic Valve, was found in Zachary. Doctors will monitor that condition as the youngster grows, family members said.

Zachary just started the first grade at Neil Armstrong Elementary in Diamond Bar, according to his family. He had been home schooled since age 3 because his immune system was compromised, according to his family.

And yet Zachary has come further than anyone had expected, according to his family. Lorbeer Middle School teacher Mary Butler had been home schooling him for the last 2 to 3 years and is truly responsible for how far he has come, family said.

Those interested in donating to The American Heart Association and Zachary's cause visit www.ocheartwalk.kintera.org/zacharycannon.