Photos: Huge Show Of Love At Fundraiser For Local Woman Battling Serious Illness

MATTITUCK, NY — Danielle Grzegorczk, owner of the Crazy Fork in Mattituck, had never even met Claire Kennedy, a Southold woman who has been battling a serious illness in recent weeks — but when she heard of her plight, she immediately offered to host a fundraiser to help.

It's that kind of love that Kennedy, who has spent her life giving to others, inspires — and at her fundraiser Saturday, the love was overflowing.

The fundraiser will be going strong until 8 p.m. Saturday, with tickets $25 at the door.

Organized by Patty Hocker, Cindy Bumble, and others, the event included an enormous Chinese auction — tables overflowing with Chinese auction prizes reflected the generosity of the community — as well as raffles, a buffet, the band Sonic Gumbo, and a cash bar.

Kennedy, who is battling bacterial meningitis, caused by listeria, a food-borne illness, has been transferred from Stony Brook University Hospital to Glen Cove Hospital's rehabilitation center, according to her husband Tom Kennedy.

At the event Saturday, Kennedy was overcome by the incredible number of friends and loved ones who turned out to support his wife and family.

"It's wonderful," he said. "This is the true spirit of the North Fork community. And it's a reflection of of Claire, what people mean to her — and what she means to people."

Reflecting on the huge turnout, Grzegorczyk agreed. "I really hope she understands how much she's loved," she said. While she said she's had other fundraisers, when it came to Kennedy's, "I've never received so many calls. You can tell she's a wonderful person, and I can't wait to meet her."

Cathy Bumble, who has known Kennedy for years, said the love represents all Kennedy does for others. "I'm praying for her," she said.

Bumble's daughter Anna Fiore had a message for Kennedy: "Keep fighting. She's going to fight this."

It's the support and care from the community that has meant everything to her family during the past weeks, her husband said.

"Claire is presently at the Glen Cove Hospital rehabilitation center, in the brain injury unit's acute rehabilitation program," he told Patch recently. "Her stay there will be from two to four weeks and she will work with occupational physical and speech therapists along with a neuropsychologist to help her regain her strength and cognitive functions."

But despite her battle, his wife's indomitable spirit has continued to shine, Kennedy said.

"Throughout this entire ordeal, Claire has maintained her radiant personality, sense of humor, and beauty. She is determined to get back home to her boys and resume a lifestyle full of love and laughter. Upon discharge from Glen Cove, Claire will continue her recovery in either a subacute therapy program in a skilled nursing home or return home to our family and receive home care services along with outpatient rehabilitation services."

Kennedy said his family is eternally grateful for the outpouring of concern. "Our family is overwhelmed with the prayers and support we have received during this trying time. Claire's illness has made our bonds as a family grow stronger and appreciate the spirit of community that is rare to find any where else. this is truly what it means to live here on the North Fork."

Kennedy recently spent days and hours selflessly collecting food and supplies to send to troops overseas during the holiday season.

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

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 and critically ill.

In addition to the fundraiser, 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 $13,050 and surpassing its $5,000 goal, with donations still coming in. 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, a spirit that has mobilized an entire community to rally for her recovery.

"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."