In what is probably the most wonderful story we've heard in a while, an eight-year-old boy has raised over $1million for his best friend who suffers from a rare liver disorder.
Back in 2012, Dylan Siegel found out that his BFF, Jonah Pournazarian, suffered from a rare liver disorder called glycogen storage disease tybe 1B.
Overwhelmed by the news, Dylan, who was then just six years old, decided to write a novel to help raise funds for a cure.
Adorable Dylan says that the book, entitled 'Chocolate Bar', was inspired by the fact that his friendship with Jonah is as "awesome as a chocolate bar".
Did you hear that just? It was the sound of hearts melting EVERYWHERE.
Copies of the book went on sale for $20 each and, since then, nearly 25,000 copies have been sold worldwide.
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According to the American Liver Foundation, type 1 glycogen storage disease, which is also known as von Gierke’s disease, is an inherited disorder that affects the way that the body breaks food down into energy.
It affects 1 in 100,000 individuals, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Currently, there is no cure.
In a statement, Dylan said: "I'm so happy that we finally reached my million-dollar goal and that kids around the world have been inspired by my story. I will continue to raise money until Jonah's disease is cured forever."
Every penny from Dylan's book goes towards a clinical research program for the disease, which is run by Dr. David Weinstein.
According to ABC, the money raised has since paid for a new geneticist to be hired and studies resulting in new gene-therapy treatments. While also helping the facility stay open and on track to finding a cure.
"It is now reality. It's not just a dream that these children can be cured," said Dr. Weinstein.
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[H/T People]