HARVARD – A “Charging Forward for Ryley” benefit will begin at noon Saturday at the Harvard Moose Lodge.

Ryley Nelson, 4, has CHARGE syndrome, which affects one in 10,000 children. Ryley has vision loss, hearing loss, swallowing difficulties, low muscle tone, heart defects, slow development, a depressed immune system, dysphasia of the jaw, a lack of balance and an inability to communicate.

With these issues, Ryley has many different medical needs. At this time, he is in need of hearing aids, which cost $4,000, and a wheelchair ramp for his home. Financial assistance also is needed for medical bills, upcoming surgeries and medical equipment.