Honoring An Angel On Her 24th Birthday In Heaven

MATTITUCK, NY — Tuesday marks what would have been Kaitlyn Doorhy's 24th birthday and her brokenhearted family is honoring the day by reaching out to help a young father battling cancer, in her memory.

"Happy 24th birthday in heaven to our beautiful daughter, Kaitlyn," her mother Darla Doorhy wrote on Facebook. "I will always keep your memory alive as long as I breathe."

As they have done since Kaitlyn, who was 20, lost her life tragically in August, 2014 while away at college, her family and friends, who have organized the philanthropic not-for-profit Kait's Angels, will gather to mark her birthday with a Designer Handbag Wingo night fundraiser, set to kick off again this year on Friday, June 29; doors open at 5 p.m. and games begin at 6:30 p.m. sharp.

The event will be held at Macari Vineyards & Winery, located at 24385 Main Road in Cutchogue; tickets cost $35 in advance or $45 at the door and include admission, eight games, and a glass of wine.

Tickets may also be purchased at Love Lane Sweet Shoppe, by clicking here, or by sending a check payable to Kait's Angels to P.O. Box 1081, Mattituck, NY 11952. Ed Macari's "Avelino Mobile Italian Cuisine" will be on the premises.

Proceeds will benefit Kait's Angels.

"We will blow out your 24th birthday celebration on Friday, June 29 at Macari Vineyards with all of your amazing friends and family," Doorhy said. "Love you, my beautiful Blondie. Until we meet in heaven."

Also this year at the event, a special fundraiser was added to benefit Matthew Rolle, a Mattituck resident diagnosed with colon cancer. Rolle, who is married with a young son, is fighting his battle with his trademark optimism and positivity, Doorhy said.

Those wishing to help can buy boxes, at $10 a chance, at Wendy's Deli in Mattituck.

"We have sold almost 200 boxes already," said owner Wendy Zuhoski, adding that boxes will be sold until the Designer Wingo event.

Another individual donated a bicycle to be raffled off, Doorhy said.

The huge-hearted North Fork community always steps forward when a friend is in need, Zuhoski said. "I always feel that if we have a friend battling cancer, we can all battle it with them," she said. "My customers always step right up to the plate to help. We do what we can do to help."

Patch courtesy photos.