Press Release

Casual Day Funds Pour In for Seriously Ill 10 Year Old Oakland County Boy

Pontiac, MI, January 31, 2006 -- Oakland County government employees reached deep into their hearts and wallets to raise $6,500 for a 10 year old boy suffering from a life threatening genetic disease that is affecting his brain.

The money was raised during a special Casual Day that was held on January 18th for Jonathan Masters, the son of Steve Masters who works in the Sewer/Drain Maintenance Unit of the Oakland County Drain Office.  The Masters family lives in Ortonville.

I want to thank the employees of Oakland County for their tremendous outpouring of generosity and support for this little boy who has shown extraordinary courage during a difficult struggle, said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson.  Everyone here at Oakland County is pulling for little Jonny to beat the odds and defeat this serious illness.

Despite the fact that there is no known cure for the disease, only hope Jonny appears to be doing very well.  Following a bone marrow procedure in December, Jonnys latest test results are encouraging.  He is eating well, his spirits are good and hes getting around better than before the procedure was performed.

On his website, Jonny wrote: I know that both of my parents are doing everything they can for me.  All I ask of everyone else is to talk to God for me and tell him I have big plans.

To learn more about Jonny, who is being treated at Childrens Hospital in Minneapolis, go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/jonathanmasters.  Or if youd like to make a donation, an account has been established at Bank One in Davison.  Contributions can be sent to the Jonathan Masters Fund, Bank One, 203 N. Main Street, Davison, MI 48423.

For media inquiries only, please contact Bob Dustman, Oakland County Media and Communications Officer at 248-858-1048.

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