Friends Gather To Help Local Woman Battling Serious Illness

SOUTHOLD, NY — A woman who recently spent days and hours selflessly collecting food and supplies to send to troops overseas during the holiday season is now in need of a helping hand herself, as she battles a serious illness.

Claire Kennedy, who, along with Patty Hocker, just organized a third annual holiday collection for deployed troops, thought she had a simple case of the flu when she started to feel ill recently.

But when she went to Eastern Long Island Hospital for treatment of dehydration and fever, the prognosis was far more serious: Kennedy was then transferred to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, caused by listeria.

While her condition has been critical, Kennedy has been improving — but faces an arduous recovery process.

"It's still very serious, but she is making strides in the right direction," Hocker said. "She is doing better but has a long road to recovery."

And now, the North Fork community is rallying to help the woman who gives so much of her heart to bring joy to others.

A page has been created on CareCalendar, where friends can sign up to cook and deliver warm meals to her family while Kennedy recovers.

To sign up, click here and put in code 5393.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up, raising $475 of its $5,000 goal so far. The page, "Claire Kennedy and Family," was set up by MaryJane Hunter on behalf of Thomas Kennedy. To donate, click here.

"We are looking for donations to help cover costs for maintaining the home, caring for the children, and any unexpected medical costs," the page said. "Any amount is greatly appreciated. We will be posting updates on how Claire is doing here, so please check back every day or so to see the latest news."

Just recently, Kennedy thanked the many who turned out to donate to the troops overseas — and her words were a strong testament to her giving spirit.

"It’s a privilege and an honor to be able to do this for the troops," Kennedy said. "It’s the least we can do considering how much they sacrifice for all Americans, especially around the holidays when they are away from their family and friends.”

Kennedy added, "We would not be able to do this without the help and generosity of our community. Everyone knows how important it is to give back to our local servicemen and women who are currently deployed overseas.”

Patch photo courtesy of Patty Hocker.