Lindsey and Brian Shaughnessy have been working hard to transform one of their vacant rental houses into a haunted attraction — and they hope it will raise awareness for a little-known disease. HIRSCHSPRUNG’S Disease has been a part of Maya’s life since birth.
The Shaughnessy’s daughter, Maya, 6, was born with Hirschsprung’s Disease, a rare disease that affects the functions of the nerves in the large intestine and gastrointestinal tract. About one in 5,000 children are diagnosed each year with the disease. After witnessing years of support from friends and family, the Shaughnessys decided to give back to the community by providing the haunted house.
“Everyone’s support means a lot to us,” said Brian.
Beginning at 6 p.m. Halloween, the Shaughnessys will be hosting a Fright House for those brave enough to enter. Baked goods and cider will be for sale. Proceeds will go to fight Hirschsprung’s Disease.
Lindsey said she and her husband, along with friends Andy and Theresa Laffery, spent almost 120 hours decorating and organizing the property at 607 N. Chestnut. There are five rooms with multiple animatronic decorations and will have live actors as well.
Lindsey said any age is welcome, and the frights will be “toned down” for the younger trick-or-treaters.
“She’s had two major surgeries,” Brian said. “But there are kids who have 20 or 30.”
Lindsey said all the proceeds from the sale of treats as well as an at-will offering will go to REACH HD, a Boston-based non-profit that researches the disease and aids those afflicted. Brian said with the rarity of the disease, there isn’t as much information or awareness to those who need help.
While Maya has spent time in and out of the hospital, her parents said she is learning to live with the disease. They said friends and family helped to support them financially when they were traveling back and forth to the hospital and paying for medical treatment, now it’s their turn to pay it forward.
For those not able to attend the Fright House Thursday evening, donations can be made at fundraiser.com by searching Fright House.
Fright House to raise awareness for disease
