Kaiyapalooza Fundraiser Tonight

Life lessons come from people of all shapes and sizes, and from all walks of life. Although Kaiya Barber is only six years old, and has never spoken, those around her learn something from her every day.

The daughter of popular Ramapo High School math teacher and hockey coach Lee Barber, Kaiya hasn’t let cerebral palsy keep her from dispensing some valuable lessons of her own.

Kaiya defied the predictions of the medical community when she rose from her wheelchair to take her first steps at the age of four. She now walks independently—without the use of even a walker, and Barber and his wife, Jill, believe that Kaiya will soon begin speaking.

“Kaiya has come so far and taught us so much about what is important in life,” wrote Barber on the event’s website, www.careforkaiya.com.  “Our daughter keeps us grounded and reminds us how important it is to treasure every moment and to never give up. With every step that Kaiya takes, she defies the predictions of her doctors, and shows us anything is possible if you have determination, will and the support of loved ones.”

Kaiya will feel the love from her extended family at the second annual Kaiyapalooza, a fundraiser for her medical care and various therapies, which will take place on tonight from 7-10 p.m. at Ramapo High School.

Admission to Kaiyapalooza is $10 for adults and children, and includes food, and a performance by magician Will Fern. The success of the event relies heavily on the generosity of the community, and local businesses, and event sponsorships of $1,000 are being sought, as are other donations and raffle prizes.

All donations will be recognized in event program, and sponsors will be included on the back of event t-shirts, which will be for sale.

“Myself and numerous other former and present Ramapo students have dedicated ourselves to both spread awareness of the cause and to raise money to assist the Barber family with the financial burdens that coincide with the treatment and therapy,” said event coordinator Jeff Peters, a 2010 graduate of Ramapo High School and its hockey team.  “To see coach Barber and
his wife, Jill, with Kaiya is truly inspriring. The care and the love they show
her is so heartwarming, that it’s a wonderful lesson for us all on how we
should all live our lives.”

Kaiyapalooza and its sister event, the Kaiya’s Cup (a hockey game between Ramapo and its crosstown rival Indian Hills), have made a huge difference in Kaiya’s life.

Even without spoken words, the Barbers say her reaction to what’s said shows Kaiya understands what’s being communicated to her—and is unquestionably
aware that this event is her special night. She’ll be surrounded by her
extended family of guardian angels, who have embraced her cause as their own.

“She knows Kaiyapalooza is all for her—and she loves it,” said Barber. The
saying, `it takes a village’ to raise a child is so very true, and we thank all
of you in advance for your love, support, prayers, and generosity.”

Please contact 2010 Ramapo graduate Jeff Peters at jeff@careforkaiya.com
or access www.careforkaiya.com for further information.