Community Matters: Daffodils for Meg

Editor’s Note: This article was written and submitted by Ilana Mele. 

One of the incredible things about Long Island is the community involvement we so often see. School, religious and community groups are often seen getting involved and making extraordinary things happen for those who truly need the help.

Mulcahy’s Pub & Concert Hall in the heart of Wantagh has been home to more fundraisers than I can guess at over the years. Groups of family and friends have mourned, supported and memorialized there with the help of Mulcahy’s management, local entertainers, local media and more.

On Nov. 4, we have another worthy cause being supported at Mulcahy’s. Meghan Roach is a 21-year-old college student from Bellmore who was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma of the bone just before the summer.

Leiomyosarcoma is an exceedingly rare cancer, and has necessitated care in New York City and beyond. Insurance will not be covering travel expenses, nor much of Meghan’s treatment, including important procedures to preserve her ability to have children, which may be tremendously compromised due to chemotherapy treatments.

Friends and family have banded together to hold “Daffodils for Meg,” a fundraising event to help pay for the Roach family’s travel expenses and medical bills while caring for Meghan. The hope is that by the time the spring comes and Meghan’s favorite flower (daffodils, naturally) are blooming, that her treatment will be completed and most of her trial behind her.

Daffodils for Meg will be held at Mulcahy’s of Wantagh on Sunday, Nov. 4, from 2-6 p.m. Tickets at $50 if pre-paid, or $60 if purchased at the door. The event will include an open bar, buffet dinner, dessert, raffles and entertainment by Undercover and Julia & Emmet Haltigan (of Julie Haltigan and the Hooligans.)

Each ticket purchased in advance will be given a free sheet of raffle tickets. This event is being co-sponsored as a community outreach program of the Nassau County Mothers of Twins Club.

To purchase tickets, contact Margaret at mchalich@live.com. Meghan’s continuing story can be found online at the family blog, at meghanaliceroach.blogspot.com.

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