Community Corner
Brick PBA Helping Hands Fundraiser Aims To Lift Boy, Family
The 28th annual fundraising event is Friday, March 23 and benefits the family of Carter Smith, 4, who is faced with multiple spine issues.
BRICK, NJ — The Brick Township Policemen's Benevolent Association will be holding its 28th annual Helping Hands Benefit Basketball Game in March and this year will be helping the family of a 4-year-old boy who is battling multiple issues.
Carter Smith, 4, has been diagnosed with myeloshcisis, the most severe form of spina bifida. In addition, he suffers from hydocephalus and has a shunt to drain extra fluid from his brain. Compounding matters, he has Arnold Chiari malformation, where his brain stem is being pulled down into his spinal column, which crushes it. Carter has had a tracheostomy and a gastric tube inserted. Carter has had decompression surgery, where part of his skull was removed along with part of the bones down to the C4 vertebrae on his spine to make room. Due to part of his brain being crushed, his vocal chords are paralyzed, the PBA said in a news release about the benefit.
"As you can imagine, they have a substantial amount of debt that continues to increase with each passing day," the PBA news release said. "We would like to extend to Carter Smith and his family a Helping Hand."
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The benefit is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 23 at Brick Township High School. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. They are $3 for adults and $2 for students. Seating is limited, so please arrive early, they said.
The PBA said organizations that would like to contribute can send donations to PBA Local 230, P.O. Box 1067, Brick, NJ 08723 c/o Officer John Turrin. Checks can be made payable to the "Helping Hands Fund."
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For further information, please contact Officer John Turrin or Officer Joe De Luca at 732-262-1100 or Detective Greg Mullarkey 732-262-1122.
"As seen at our past games, the Brick Township community never fails to show their unwavering support. We would love for you to join us in lending a "Helping Hand" to the family of Carter Smith. We look forward to seeing you and your family at the game," the PBA said.
Photo by Karen Wall, Patch staff
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