STEUBENVILLE — Businesses throughout the Ohio Valley are coming together in support of an important cause this week — the RDH12 Dine to Donate fundraiser.

Hosted at various local restaurants between today and Thursday, the event aims to raise funds toward research in finding a cure for Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis. Also known as LCA, this rare genetic disorder causes severe vision impairment and blindness at an early age. There have been 27 genes found to cause LCA, when mutated. One of these genes is known as RDH12.

Event organizer David Kinney emphasized the importance of community involvement in helping to find a cure, stating, “The RDH12 Dine to Donate fundraiser provides an excellent opportunity for our community to unite in support of the Ohio Valley’s very own, Abigail Kinney, and our fight to cure LCA RDH12. Your participation will support research for a cure to LCA RDH12 and offer hope to all those affected by this challenging condition.”

Kinney encouraged all residents “to join this meaningful event.” He explained when guests visit the following participating establishments within the four-day window, they can be sure that a portion of the proceeds will go directly toward supporting research efforts in finding a cure for LCA RDH12.

Participating venues will include: B4 Burgers, 1801 Pennsylvania Ave., Weirton, today; Applebee’s, 389 John Scott Highway, Steubenville, Monday; Dee Jay’s Bar and Grill, 380 Three Springs Drive, Weirton, Tuesday; Undo’s Family Restaurant, 350 Three Springs Drive, Weirton, Wednesday; and Texas Roadhouse, 100 Mall Drive, Steubenville, Friday.

Diners should download the flier from the following website: rdh12sight.org/events/restaurant-fundraisers, and show it to their server at one of the participating restaurants listed. A percentage of their bill will go directly to the RDH12 Fund for Sight.

For information, contact Kinney at davidkinneyRDH12@gmail.com or visit the website rdh12sight.org.