Metal Monkey Fundraiser To Benefit Fallen Soldier's Family

ROMEOVILLE, IL — A June 9 fundraiser in Romeoville will benefit the wife and two children of a local Army veteran who died in April after battling PTSD. The June 9 event at Metal Monkey Brewing, 515 Anderson Drive, will help the family of Romeoville resident Paul J. Derdzinski, who died April 4 at age 33.

Derdzinski is survived by his wife, Lindsey, and their two children, a son and daughter.

The Metal Monkey event will include raffles, food trucks, life music and beverages from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 9. While there's no admission fee, there will be a donation box and raffles to benefit the Derdzinski family. All proceeds will go to the family, organizers said.

A GoFundMe campaign has also been established for the family.

"A beautiful soul, a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and soldier, gone too soon. As the family navigates through their crushing grief, we all ask if we can help," the campaign said. "Please consider donating to help Lindsey with expenses and caring for her children while dealing with her devastated broken heart. Every little bit will help ease the challenges they face as a family, and give Lindsey a few less worries. Godspeed."

GoFundMe organizers also asks supporters to spread awareness about PTSD, saying, "From all tragedies comes some light, and Paul has created a whole new army of family and friends dedicated to raising PTSD awareness. Please continue to spread awareness of PTSD; acceptance and acknowledgment goes a long way for those who suffer."

Main photo submitted to Patch