Fundraising slated for Oxford girl in need of transplant

OXFORD - With the cost of a transplant often exceeding $500,000, many families are unable to shoulder the financial burden of such a procedure.  
The Children’s Organ Transplant Association in Bloomington, Ind. is a national charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-related expenses.
In Oxford, volunteers are raising funds for COTA in honor of transplant patients like Chelsea Wheeler, daughter of Christopher and Linda Wheeler of Oxford. 
Born on Feb. 4, 2003, Chelsea was diagnosed with Intestinal Dysmotility.  Doctors at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania have recommended a life-saving small bowel transplant. 
 Chelsea’s family has asked for assistance from the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. 

The organization’s priority is to assure that no child or young adult is denied a transplant or excluded from a transplant waiting list due to lack of funds.  
One hundred percent of all funds raised are used for patients’ transplant-related expenses.
An estimated $65,000 is being raised by Oxford volunteers. Volunteers are needed to assist with fundraising activities that will help with transplant-related expenses. Individuals and groups interested in more information may contact Community Coordinator Ray Nappi, 203-305-8719 or ray.nappi@gmail.com.   

Donations may be mailed to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, 2501 West COTA Drive, Bloomington, IN., 47403.  Checks or money orders should be made payable to COTA, with “In Honor of Chelsea W” written on the memo line of the check.  Secure credit card donations are also accepted online at www.COTAforChelseaW.com.  

This post is taken from a press release from the Children's Organ Transplant Association. 

O'Brien students, staff commended on fund-raising

Griffin Hospital initiative gains support 

Cheerleaders at Emmett O'Brien Technical High School in Ansonia use pom pons Friday to form a breast cancer awareness ribbon to support The Valley Goes Pink initiative to raise funds for The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby. 
The school raised $950 through the sale of pink T-shirts, wristbands, and carnations and participation in a volleyball game. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Photo contributed by Rodney Vardon

FRIDAY FIVE: A recap of stories from this week

These are some of the stories that made headlines in the Valley over the past week.
They are written by Register reporters Phyllis Swebilius and Patricia Villers and Register Correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich and are listed in no particular order.




Defendant in Ansonia baby shaking has case continued.

Uses for town buildings explored in Seymour.

Griffin launches survivorship program. 

Town raises $6,400 with walk for Seymour Pink.

Seymour holds Pink Day.

Team to 'swim for hope' for Seymour Pink

SEYMOUR - The Seymour High School Girls Varsity Swimming Team will host its second annual "Swim for Hope" meet at 4 p.m. Friday vs. St. Joseph-Trumbull High School at Seymour High School Pool-2 Botsford Road.
Both teams will wear special swim caps and provide concessions to raise money for Seymour Pink.
Current co-captain Katherine Acquavella has organized this event the past two seasons and Mary Deming, founder of Seymour Pink, is an alumna from St. Joseph-Trumbull.
All are welcomed to cheer on their favorite team, support cancer research and support girls' swimming.

This information was provided by Missy Orosz, part-time Associate Director of Recreation, Seymour, and Head Coach, Seymour High School Girls Varsity Swimming Team.

'Tis the month to think pink

DERBY - The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital and celebrate the charitable spirit of the Valley’s businesses and organizations.

The following is a list of unique Valley Goes Pink fundraising events set for Oct. 18-30.
For information on how you can "go pink," visit www.griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7504 or cevans@griffinhealth.org.

Every Wednesday in October is “Percent for Pink Day” at The Original Antonio's, 314 Main St., Ansonia. Owner Chris Setaro will donate 10 percent of all sales to The Valley Goes Pink.
Through Oct. 31 James Heating Oil, 326 Derby Ave., Derby, will donate $1 for every grill tank refill. Call 203-736-2566 or visit www.jamesheatingoil.com.
Oct. 18 marks the Valley Goes Pink Scotch Tasting from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at LaSala Banquet Hall, 79 High St., Derby (at the Sons of Italy Club).
Diageo's Master of Whiskey L.J. Heffernan, will share the pleasures and complexities of blended scotches and single malts, including Johnnie Walker Blue.
Registration is $60 by today and $70 after or at the door.
Register at www.griffinhealth.org/pink or 203-732-7504.

Oct. 21 marks two cut-a-thons:

• Capelli Salon, 131 Main St., Derby, will host its event from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Make an appointment at 203-732-1977.
• Hair After Salon, 522 Huntington St., Shelton will host a cut-a-thon noon–4 p.m. Call 203-929-361 for an appointment; walk-ins are welcome.

Oct. 25 will be the date of two great events:

• Breast Wellness Walk at Linden Park in Naugatuck from 1-4:30 p.m. $20 per registrant.
• Jesse Camille’s Restaurant, 615 North Church St., Naugatuck, will host “Waiters Go Pink” starting at 5 p.m. Naugatuck “luminaries” wait on you, and all tips go to the cause. Reservations required. Call 203-723-2275.

On Oct. 30 Valley Goes Pink will host a “Wrap Up Celebration” at Il Palio Restaurant, 5 Corporate Drive, Shelton to wrap up the month’s festivities and to celebrate our success. Tickets are $15. After the event, participants may take advantage of a special $20.12 menu in the restaurant.

The above information was taken from a release from Griffin Hospital.  

Ansonia boys raise funds to fix football field

"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

Ansonia Mayor James Della Volpe Friday accepted a $207 check from Noah Wagnblas, left, and Evan Laskey, both 10, who raised money selling lemonade last Saturday to help with repairs to the high school football field at Nolan Athletic Complex. Last week a vandal drove across about 20,000 square feet of turf and damage was estimated at $15,000. The city has purchased sod to repair the field. The boys, who are going into fifth grade at John C. Mead Elementary School, wanted to do something to help their city. Photo by Eileen Krugel

Noah Wagnblas, left, and his best friend Evan Laskey stand outside the entrance to the Nolan Athletic Complex on Wakelee Avenue last Saturday to get drivers to pull over and buy lemonade to support a worthy cause. / Contributed photo