A new fund has been created to help a University of Kansas student recovering from bacterial meningitis.

Andy Marso was just weeks from graduating at the top of his journalism class at the University of Kansas in April when his roommate found him unable to move from his bed and took him to the student health center.

He spent months at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas. Toxins the disease released in his body destroyed skin tissue and forced doctors to amputate all his toes and fingers, except his right thumb.

To help raise money for the Marso Fund, several Lawrence companies are sponsoring a Texas Hold 'Em tournament Oct. 2t at Abe and Jake's Landing in downtown Lawrence.

The fund will pay for things Marso needs to live independently, such as prosthetics and a handicapped van.