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05/20/2012 08:14 PM

Cicero woman fights rare disease

By: Web Staff

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ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. -- Family and friends rallied around a Cicero woman Sunday to help her in the fight against a silent disease.

Loni Broton has been fighting Mitochondrial Disease for more than a year now. The rare disease doesn't necessarily affect a person's appearance, but cripples their energy, making everyday life extremely difficult.

One of the biggest difficulties Broton has faced is that there are no specialists in this area, so she's been forced to travel to seek treatment.

Sunday a fundraiser was held at the American Legion in Cicero to offset some of those travel costs. A crowd of more than a hundred people enjoyed dance performances, food and other entertainment. We caught up with Broton afterwards to get her reaction to the incredible show of support.

Broton said, “It's unbelievable. I mean absolutely overwhelming and at the same time i just haven't stopped smiling all day except for when I’ve been crying in between just from the pure appreciation of my community. "

More than 80 baskets were donated to auction off as part of the fundraiser for Broton.