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| By Paula Canning Staff Writer SOUTH HADLEY Family and friends of an 18-month old South Hadley child recently diagnosed with cancer are trying to raise funds to help defray the high costs of the child's medical bills and are asking for your help in doing so. A benefit event for Abbie, who has been diagnosed with Wilm's Tumor, a form of childhood cancer, is slated to take place on August 26 at the Portuguese Club on Exchange Street in Chicopee. Doris Jerzyk, who is helping to organize the event along with a group of family and friends, explained that when costs for Abbie's medical care became excessive, she decided she wanted to do something to help. "It's just an overwhelming financial strain on the family," she said. "It's so hard to see them and this beautiful little baby girl going through all of this." According to Jerzyk, who has been a friend of the family for the past 25 years, Abbie has already undergone surgery for the removal of one kidney and has begun chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Some of the cancer has already spread to the child's lymph nodes, she said. Jerzyk said that the Portuguese Club, which is donating the space for the event, is "a beautiful hall" that holds 500 people. "We're hoping to raise as much money as we can," she said. She said that the idea to have the benefit at the Club originated with Scott Kosko, Abbie's uncle, who is also helping to organize the event. She explained that Kosko is a member at the Club and thought the space would be ideal for the event. Jerzyk said that a raffle will take place at the event, and will include a variety of prizes. A separate raffle to benefit Abbie's family is also being conducted in addition to the benefit, and includes a week-long vacation to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, which was donated by Kosko. Raffle prizes will be $2 each or three for $5. Jerzyk said that the organizers of the event are hoping that local businesses will donate other items for raffle prizes. The group is also looking for an area business to donate their services to help cater the event. Cost to attend the event is $15, and tickets can be purchased at the door. Anyone businesses interested in making a donation or catering the event can call Jerzyk at (413) 478-6739. |