In a special assembly The Bermuda High School for Girls presented a cheque for more than $2,000 to the parents of Azenjè Smith – who is suffering from a rare genetic disease.

Year 9 students along with other student’s and teachers held a Bowl-A-Thon at Warwick Lanes last month to raise funds for the cause.

The money collected will help pay for medicine and medical expenses to send Azenjè to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio which specialises in research and treatment of the disease.

Azenjè, the nephew of BHS student Jasmin Everheart, has been diagnosed with the rare genetic, life threatening illness, Mitochondria Disease.

A statement released by the school said: “In an emotional assembly held at the Bermuda High School for Girls, 32 Year 9 students donated $2,308.52 to two-year-old Azenjè Smith.”

Azenjè’s parents, Jamal Smith and Laurie-Ann Stovell lost their older son Na’zyje to the same disease when he was 21-months old. The couple cared for Na’zyje as he slowly succumbed to the illness, gradually losing control of his limbs and then slipping into a coma. Three years later, Azenjè has been diagnosed with the same disease.

Mr. Smith stated: “Our family, including Azenjè’s older brother 13-year-old Jacori Wolffe, are extremely grateful to everyone at The Bermuda High School for Girls for making this valuable donation. Insurance does not cover all of the expenses for Azenjè’s care. We will use the money to buy the medicine he needs and it will allow us to take him to Ohio in February for his next appointment. Again, we say thank you very much.”

Head of the Secondary Department, Ms. Levyette Robinson said: “We are pleased to make this donation to Mr. Smith and Ms Stovell who are caring for their sick son, Azenjè.

“We are proud of our students for taking the initiative to plan and host the fundraising event and we look forward to receiving updates on Azenjè as he receives medical treatment.”