Dozens of people showed their support for the Paul and Nicole Schmidt family of Becker by attending a PKS Awareness event at the Lupulin Brewery in Big Lake last Friday night.

 

December 4 is officially recognized in the State of Minnesota as PKS Awareness Day and to celebrate and educate others on the disorder. Paul and Nicole have a son, Andrew, who was diagnosed with PKS — called Pallister-Killian Syndrome — at an early age after doctors strived to find a diagnosis.

 

Andrew, now 11 years old, has broadened eyes, a turned-up nose, myoclonic jerks, severe cognitive delays, deafness and blindness. He also has captured the hearts of all who have met him and seen his strong spirit.

 

Paul and Nicole approached the owners of Lupulin Brewery with the hope they would be open to hosting such an event. Without hesitation, the owners — Matt Schiller and Jeff Zierdt — graciously opened their doors to the event which featured live music (provided by Joe Perry from Becker), a raffle, trivia games and sponsorship of a PKS child to gift them at Christmas. 

 

Many of the attendees enjoyed the robust selection of finely-brewed beers from the bar while Cornerstone Cafe of Monticello served pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, potato and tortilla chips and handmade salsa. They tastefully donated 50¢ from every order to PKS kids.

 

Supporters of PKS and the Schmidt family also had a table in the back that had t-shits, sweatshirts and cookbooks for sale with all proceeds going to PKS.