Hockey Game Saturday Benefits Recovering EMT From Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A benefit ice hockey game is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 5, to raise funds for Megan Franzoso, the EMT from Toms River who has been recovering from a medical episode she suffered in September.

Franzoso, 28, who works for Berkeley Township as an EMT and has been a volunteer with the Silverton First Aid Squad, was able to go home in mid-November, 2-1/2 months after she was hospitalized following a cardiac episode where her heart stopped for 45 minutes.

Family members said in late November that she was undergoing extensive speech, physical and occupational therapy but was able to walk with assistance. That remains the most recent update on a GoFundme created to help raise funds to offset the medical bills and other expenses.

The hockey game on Saturday includes members of the Berkeley, Manchester and Toms River police departments and will pit the team of Jersey Shore First Responders against the Toms River Blackhawks coaching staff. The Blackhawks are a Tier II travel ice hockey program that competes in the NJYHL, EJEPL, and various tournaments throughout the Atlantic region.

The doors at Winding River Ice Rink, 1211 Whitesville Road in Toms River, will open at 6 p.m. for the event, and the game begins at 7 p.m.

The event includes a 50-50, a gift auction and more. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students with school ID, and kids 12 or under free.

All donations at the game will go to assist Franzoso, organizers said.

Anyone who cannot attend but would like to donate may send a check made out to the Manchester Township Police Foundation, 1 Colonial Drive, Manchester NJ 08759. Please note it is for the Megan Franzoso Fundraiser in the memo space.

You also can contact Manchester Detective Adam Guker at 732-657-2009, ext. 4210. The Manchester Township Police Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID 47-3010773).

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Toms River EMT Helps Others. Now She's Fighting To Live
• Hospitalized EMT Making Slow Gains As Medical Bills Mount
• Home For Holidays: EMT Making 'Unbelievable Progress'

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Photo via GoFundme, a Patch promotional partner . To contribute to the GoFundme, click here.