This report is submitted by Lower Wallingford Correspondent Chris Witwer.
Were you planning to hold a garage or sale this summer, but never got around to it? There’s still time of course, but we have a better idea. Particularly if you’re a slacker like me.
A number of Wallingford area residents and workers are joining colleagues throughout Seattle to hold a mid-September Yard Sale benefitting a young family struggling with medical bills. Young Maarten was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was just 3 months old. His mom, a Wallingford area scientist, quit her job to care for him. The bills are mounting as Maarten’s family tries to provide the best care for him — including frequent medical trips out of state. You can read more about Maarten on his blog here.
Here’s how baby Maarten can help you clean out your garage while you, in turn, help him out.
Donate your gently used items for the sale! Lower Wallingford Correspondent Chris Witwer will be happy to receive your items and deliver them to the folks organizing sale (who requested anonymity here!). Chris doesn’t drive, so she’ll need you to be willing to drop off your items in Lower Wallingford. Contact Chris at (felsputzer -at- gmail -dot- com) or call 206/732-1406 to make drop off arrangements.
The benefit sale will be held at Peace Lutheran Church in West Seattle on Friday, September 18th (9am-6pm) & on Saturday, September 19th (8am-5pm). All proceeds will go to Maarten’s family. Leftover items that are not sold will be donated to local charitable organizations.
We have met Maarten and his famaily in Boston, where our son was being treated for brain cancer as well. He is an adorable boy who, under severe circumstances. His treatments are serious and Maarten has not been able to eat using his mouth ever since his first brain surgery at only 3 months of age.
I remember myself feeling very humble everythime I saw him smile immediately after his parents had to clean him up after he had to throw up and adjust the tube that feeds him.
Knowing what the costs are, I hope this fundraiser will help them to have to worry less about the finances and focus. And equally improtant, for them to see other people caring about Maarten is important emotional support.
Looking forward to see them and many others at the fund raiser next week.
Cheers, Wilbert
Thank you for the note about Maarten, Wilbert. Wallyhoodies have been very generous with their donations and continue to do so… it looks like it’s going to be a fantastic event!