Oconomowoc boy born with rare genetic defect

PEWAUKEE (WITI) -- On Saturday, November 2nd friends and community members held a fundraiser for 16-month-old Calvin Brezgel of Oconomowoc. Calvin is one of only 40 people in the entire world living with a rare genetic defect called SOX2 Anopthalmia.

Although Calvin looks similar to other children his age, his journey has been anything but typical. Calvin was born without eyes. He's also deaf and suffers from seizures. Calvin can't eat or drink -- so he has to use a feeding tube.

"As a parent you expect to have, you know, a normal life with a child, a baby," said Calvin's mom, Deborah. "But in our reality, sleepless nights, planning on going to the emergency room at 11 o'clock at night and coming home at 4 a.m."

Even with two insurance plans, the Brezgel's medical bills continue to pile up.

"What we understand is our medical bills can be closer to the $100,000 range," said Calvin's dad, Dan. "We do the raffle when those bills come in that aren't covered by the insurance and go 'oh maybe we'll able to pay this one.'"

Organizers of Saturday's event were hoping to raise $10,000 or more to help pay some of the Brezgel family's medical bills.

CLICK HERE if you would like to donate to the Brezgel family.