Nellie Zygiel works the raffle that will benefit her in her search for a living kidney donor, during a fund-raiser for her at the West Island Improvement Association breakfast on 7/7/24. Submitted photo.
Submitted
The West Island Improvement Association held a community breakfast on Sunday 7/7/24 and raised awareness for Nellie Zygiel’s quest to find a living kidney donor. Island residents donated seven baskets that were raffled off, and an information table was set up where Nellie and her family could discuss how people could become a living donor candidate.
“We want to thank the West Island Community and all who supported Nellie,” said Sheryl Zygiel ,Nellie’s Mom.
“Thank you to all the thoughtful basket creators and raffle donations Thank you to all the people who shared their stories, who extended well wishes and prayers to Nellie. And asked her for information in becoming a potential donor,” said Sheryl. “We are forever grateful for all the island support. Throughout these past 20 years, she has continually heard ‘stay strong Nellie,’ and she bravely marches on.”
Proceeds from the event will help Nellie as she has to take summer and winter courses during breaks so will be able to graduate with her class since she may become a semester behind due to her kidney.
The funds will also be used for various expenses that will come with her trips to Boston and also various costs that will come with her campaign for a kidney.
Nellie’s employer, Off The Hook, 56 Goulart Memorial Drive, Fairhaven, is sponsoring a fund-raiser for her on Sunday, 8/4, from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $20, and will include a voucher for free parking at Hoppy’s Landing across the street.
L-R: Lifelong friends Nora Booth and Nellie Zygiel stop for a photo while working the raffle table that will benefit Nellie in her search for a living kidney donor, during a fund-raiser for her at the West Island Improvement Association breakfast on 7/7/24. Submitted photo.
The event will include raffles t-shirts for sale, live entertainment, and even a special drink. All proceeds will go to Nellie, who has worked summers there for the past seven years, since eighth grade.
“We are really impressed by the outpouring of love and support from the community. it helps so much,” wrote Nellie’s parents, Tom & Sheryl.
Nellie Zygiel has been sick with a variety of illnesses since she was a young child, including vasculitis at the age of 10. That left her kidneys permanently damaged. She was placed on the National Donor List this past January.
Visit Nellie’s page at www. kidneyfornellie.org; learn more about living donors at http://www.bidmc.org/kidneydonor
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