Madisonville rallies around one-year-old facing Apert Syndrome

MADISONVILLE, Texas (KBTX) – The Madisonville Consolidated Independent School District hosted a volleyball tournament to support Waylon, a one-year-old facing the challenges of Apert Syndrome.

Waylon Lorance’s family learned his life was going to be different after he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder while still in his mother’s womb.

“Waylon was born with an extremely rare genetic disorder called Apert Syndrome, it causes fusions of the head, feet, and hands,” Carly Dyess, Waylon’s aunt said.

The idea to host the “Waylon’s Walk” volleyball tournament came from Dyess, who is the head volleyball coach at Madisonville High School.

The goal was to help raise funds for Waylon’s future surgeries.

“That’s the whole reason behind this is to raise money for Waylon himself and his medical needs. He has doctor’s appointments all the time, he recently had his first cranial surgery, and he will have the second one in July. They will start the separation of his hands as well,” said Dyess. “This is to be able to give him the best support and be able to give him the best medical help that he needs.”

Fifteen teams came to play and support, some even traveling for at least 2 hours.

“It’s very heartwarming to know that people are willing to come out, be our support system, and we have a great support system and you know seeing people that I don’t even know in the gym right now, it touches your heart,” said Dyess.

Senior Brooke Langly at Madisonville High School even dedicated her Saturday morning to playing in the tournament.

“All of us wanted to come here and show our support to him and his family. It’s just something that we chose to do, to have fun and play together, but also to support Waylon and his journey,” said Langly.

Waylon’s dad, Gary Lorance, says the support from the community is overwhelming and their family wouldn’t be where they are today without it.

“It’s a team effort by all our friends, all of our family, everybody involved, even people that we don’t know reached out to us,” said Lorance.

Waylon’s Walk Volleyball Tournament raised over $5,000.

But, if you would like to help, you can donate through Venmo here or Cash App here. You can also make donations to:

First Financial Bank

9330 State Highway 75 South

New Waverly, TX 77358

Checks payable to Taryn Lorance

Memo Line: Waylon’s Walk