When Mike Patrella got more support recently to pay for his daughter’s medication, his gratitude to the Staten Island community swelled.

“It makes you happy and proud to be from here,” said the West Brighton dad of two after receiving assistance from Emergency Children’s Help Organization (E.C.H.O.).

His daughter Kayla was diagnosed with a rare disease called primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) in July 2014. It causes mucus and bacteria to build up, resulting in frequent infections that can lead to serious and permanent damage.