Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Lend a helping hand

Fundraiser will help a family in need


By SABINA DANA PLASSE
Express Staff Writer

The Wood River Valley is a community of people who take care of their friends, family and neighbors no matter how difficult a situation. When Brigitte Karlovich met Nance Barbon this past Christmas at Albertson's in Hailey, she was collecting donations for the Sawtooth Board of Realtors Holiday Basket Program. Barbon, an Albertson's employee, approached Karlovich for a basket.

"She is a single mom and didn't have anything for her kids," Karlovich said. "She came up to me and asked if she could sign up. It has tugged at me ever since."

Karlovich soon discovered that Barbon's son, Christopher, has a rare brain stem abnormality called Arnold Chiari Malformation, which causes his brain to grow outside his skull. Christopher is 8 years old and has already received extensive brain surgery but continues to need more operations, which will cost at least $65,000.

"He has missed a lot of school and suffers from excruciating headaches," Karlovich said. "His medication also puts him at risk for seizures."

Karlovich said Barbon has a decent job at Albertson's, but when she takes time off to help her son, there is no money coming in and she needs help.

On Saturday, June 7, a pancake breakfast fundraiser and silent auction will be held at Hailey Elementary School to raise money for surgery, travel and other costs for Barbon and her children.

"My goal is to offset medical costs, travel and gas for Boise hospital trips," Karlovich said. "I'm pulling together silent auction items, and anything to help will be greatly appreciated."

Christopher wants to play baseball and go snowboarding, Barbon said, but he can't do these things without a two-year recovery. His headaches are so bad at times that he loses his sense of feeling. He will have to live with this condition for the rest of his life, and he gets tired of it.

"Everybody knows Christopher, and they love him. He's not a fighter, he's a hugger. Hailey Elementary has given us food when I have had five-hour workweeks because I did not know how to feed four people on $58. I don't know what to say about this amazing community."

Barbon said Karlovich gave her a gas credit card for Christopher's doctor's appointments in Boise as part of the holiday basket. The basket also included winter coats. Moreover, she made sure her other children had presents at Christmas.

"I asked 'why me' when there are so many other people in the world," said Barbon. "She said the lord told her in her sleep that she needed to take care of us."

Several auction items have been donated, including: a one-year membership to Blaine County Fitness, a one-day river trip including lunch for two from The River Company, a $200 pair of Coach sunglasses donated by the Hailey Eye Center, a one-night stay at The Anniversary in Boise, a heart necklace from Christopher & Co., a round of golf at Big Wood Golf Course, a skateboard from the Board Bin, two tickets for a summer show by Company of Fools and much more.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the family and donations can be made to the Life Church in Hailey earmarked for Christopher Hegyi.

Pancake breakfast

What: Fundraiser and silent auction.

When: Saturday, June 7, from 8-11 a.m.

Where: Hailey Elementary School

Cost: $5 adults and $3 children.

Details: 450-9750.




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