HEBRON | Barry Allen Wagoner Jr. has had a rough go in life.

Friends and family are trying to make the road a little easier by hosting a benefit dinner for the 4-year-old Hebron boy Saturday at the Hammond Mohawks picnic grounds.

Barry, the son of Barry and Regina Wagoner, was initially diagnosed with biotinidase deficiency, which prevents his body from recycling the vitamin biotin. The condition can cause seizures, weak muscle tone, breathing problems and delayed development.

At age 3, he was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder, and in November of last year Barry was also diagnosed with autism and Mitochondria Disorder, which affects his eye nerves, peripheral nerves, digestive tract and causes muscle weakness and delayed development.

The youngster has undergone countless medical treatments and hospitalizations, said his grandmother, Donna Martinez, of Portage.

His parents are also considering taking their son to the Care Clinic in Austin, Texas, for a specialized medical treatment that would possibly allow him to talk and eliminate any further hearing and vision loss and further muscle damage. It also could help him with his metabolical disorder, said Martinez, adding that the treatment is costly.

Proceeds from the benefit dinner will help the family defray medical costs.

The benefit will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the athletic and conservation club's picnic grounds, 141st Street and Calumet Avenue in Hammond. The dinner will include a choice of spaghetti with or without meat sauce or chicken enchiladas, rice and beans. Both dinners will be served with salad and dessert. Tickets, available at the door, are $10 per person and $7 for children under the age of 12. There also will be bocce ball, horseshoes, bag toss and door prizes.