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Written by Special to The Press
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Friday, 06 February 2009 12:46 |
A Clay High School senior has organized a spaghetti dinner benefit to help an Oregon family Feb. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the high school, 5665 Seaman St., Oregon.
Proceeds raised by the benefit, organized as a community service project by Rachel Hartzel, will go to help Laura and Steve Cassidy defray medical expenses.
The Cassidy’s twin sons, Jayden and Regan, were born 13 weeks premature. Now 21 months old, they have made progress but there have been setbacks as well.
Jayden had a cochlear implant last year and is able to hear when it is on. Although he isn’t speaking words yet, he is imitating sounds and recognizing objects.
Regan, who has cerebral palsy, is walking and doing his best to keep up with his brother. Late last year, he battled pneumonia. In serious condition, he was transferred to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Regan also has had to deal with other complications, including bowel issues that prevent him from eating more than about four ounces at a time. Doctors have agreed that he will have a tonsillectomy sometime in April, and then four to six weeks later he will undergo an airway reconstruction.
Shortly after birth, Regan underwent an emergency tracheotomy, which was necessary to save his life. For the reconstruction, doctors will take cartilage from his body and rebuild an airway. He will be heavily tranquilized for many days to prevent him from using his throat while it heals. After about two weeks, he will be released from the hospital but will need to remain in the Cincinnati area for several more weeks, depending on his progress.
Funds raised from the benefit and from donations will help defray the family’s medical costs. The suggested donation for the spaghetti dinner is $10 per person.
Those who would like to make a donation to help the Cassidy family may do so at any Fifth Third Bank. Checks should be made payable to Benefit of Jayden and Regan Cassidy Fund.
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