Night at the Races Fundraiser

The Newcomers and Neighbors Club of Brookfield announces a Night at the Races fundraiser on Saturday, May 16th at the Prince of Peace Church’s Fellowship Hall, Brookfield to raise funds to help Patty Zelle pay for expenses relating to her health care.

Patty has lived in Brookfield for most of her life and has worked at Huckleberry Hill Elementary School for many years. She is an active member of the town and known by the community through her involvement with Girl and Boy Scouts, Pete Brady’s charity events and Quest for Peace.

Patty was diagnosed with MDS, an aggressive blood cancer, the same illness that Robin Roberts of Good Morning America fought and recovered from. Over the last year Patty has undergone chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, requiring months of isolation. Patty also recovered from fungal pneumonia, which only 50% of people in her condition survive.

Her progress was looking positive until last month when the cancer returned. New treatments are scheduled to begin with the possibility of another stem cell transplant.

This illness has taken an enormous toll on Patty and her family, emotionally and financially. The medical costs are astronomical. With Patty as the main income earner and the holder of the insurance, the family is in enormous need of financial help. The COBRA payment is over $2500 a month. In July, the deductible of $2500 will again be due in addition to the monthly co-pay. That alone is more than $32,500 for just the next year!

To help alleviate some of the family’s financial stress, the Newcomers & Neighbors Club of Brookfield is planning a Night at the Races to raise funds for the Zelle family. The club is looking to match last year’s event attendance of 200. In addition, this event offers local businesses the opportunity to sponsor races.

“The Zelle family’s situation was brought to the Club’s attention from one of our members. We are a local club and our philanthropy is focused on community need. We have held successful fundraisers in the past, and decided to dedicate the spring event to Patty”, explains Ninka Giraudet, co-president Newcomer & Neighbors Club of Brookfield.

The evening begins at 6:30pm. Tickets are $20.00 per person and can be ordered by email: pattyfightsmds@gmail.com.

Donations to the Zelle family are also being collected. Please email patty fightsmds@gmail.com for details. Businesses interested in donating or sponsoring a race can contact us at the same address.

For more information contact Nili Walp- advisor, Newcomers & Neighbors Club of Brookfield nwalp@yahoo.com.