FNN Article © Friday, April 10, 2026. Shown is a small sample from the over 200 diamond art pieces available for raffle winners to select from. Click on images to enlarge to view just a few of the items.
MANSFIELD, PA – Nathan is a 12-year-old outgoing and very bright local Tioga County boy who has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Bethlem Myopathy and he is hosting a birthday raffle to raise funds for upcoming travel expenses to specialists appointments.
Nate was finally diagnosed a few years ago and now that his mom and him definitely know what is going on with his body he can move forward with battling any new physical issue as they arise. Part of that battle is he has to be monitored and evaluated often by different specialists at different clinics and even at certain hospitals. That means they have to travel more often to these different locations to meet up with specific doctors to be treated.
These dual diseases combined cause a number of issues for the youth as he constantly deals with his loss of muscle tone and loss of strength as he ages. Even with rounds of physical therapy, his muscles continue to weaken faster than doctors expected. Thus the need to see certain specialists more often now.
With his mom being a single parent and her job over the last year has cut her hours from full time down to only a few hours a week. Although she often asks for more needed hours, they do not provide her with them. This additional hardship makes it more difficult to cover travel expenses for upcoming doctor appointments.
The diseases Nate deals with does not keep him down, as he does have his own special Facebook page monitored by his mother, of course. His page is called “Heroic Abilities – Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Bethlem Myopathy.” Together they share information about the two diseases and have discussions with others who have been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or with Bethlem Myopathy. Nate’s condition is extremely rare as he deals with both issues. In other words, he is a genetic rarity and none of his doctors or specialists have ever dealt with a case as unique as his.
Also with his Facebook page, Nate enjoys raising the spirits of his followers. In doing this he has had random drawings in the past and the prizes were of diamond art pictures which were awarded to each winner of those who entered.
Shown are other diamond art pieces that can be selected by those who win. Click on images to enlarge.
Nate, being a very observant young man, pitched an idea to his mom as he wanted to host his own birthday raffle. All prizes will be diamond art pieces that he and his mom will work on. This way any money raised would go towards travel expenses and such. At the same time, the raffle prizes would make people feel good and they would be able to select a piece of diamond art they would enjoy. There are well over 200 diamond art pieces that winners can select from. (See Nate’s Facebook page link below to view all the pictures and coaster sets available that winners can choose from).
To visit Nate’s Facebook and connect with the raffle – simply click on the provided Facebook link – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567206784922&rdid=RtycnR2XYLLbPgRN&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F18UmiCT5ZX%2F# .
Here are the details to the Birthday Raffle
13 days of your choice of completed diamond art giveaways
RAFFLE TICKET PRICES: $1.00 EACH OR 6 FOR $5.00.
Your choice of a set of coasters, a 20x20cm, 25x25cm, 30x30cm, or a 30x40cm, see images from their inventory on Nate’s Facebook page. Please note, once the winners are picked and announced on their Facebook page, it will take 6-8 weeks, possibly sooner for all pictures to be completed and sent out to winners. (Unless pick up is possible).
Feel free to call or text 570-404-4531 or simply visit their Facebook page: Heroic Abilities for the details (link posted above).
The tickets have already gone on sale on April 8th and will be on sale until May 16, 2026. Drawings will take place 1 time each day from May 17, 2026- May 29, 2026. So there will be plenty of winners.
They do accept cash, check, or cash app. Cash and check can be mailed to P.O. Box 126 Mansfield Pa 16933, or cash app to $LeesaGallagher .
Again all money raised will go to travel expenses, meals during those trips or needed medical supplies. If you wish to enter just click on the provided Facebook link and follow the directions provided.
