A Nov. 4 fund-raiser to aid an Oxford man suffering from a life-threatening kidney disease raised close to $19,000.
‘It’s totally overwhelming,? said John Bray, who has Polycystic Kidney Disease, which eventually causes kidney failure. ‘I just want to thank the community, thank everyone who was involved.?
Held at Kalloway’s Restaurant and Pub, the event was organized by Bray’s co-workers at Coldwell Banker Shooltz Realty to help him pay mounting medical bills.
‘We’re just tickled,? said co-worker Diane Giroux. ‘It was wonderful. John and his family were blown away by all the love and support.?
Approximately 140 people attended the fund-raiser, which had a 1950s Sock Hop theme.
Gary Lepak, owner of Kalloway’s, was given lots of credit for making the evening such a huge success.
Lepak donated the lower level of his restaurant, discounted the food, helped organize the event and even secured a few donations for the silent auction.
‘Gary was abolutely fabulous to us,? Giroux said. ‘He embraced us, guided us.
‘With all of his experience, he was a wealth of wisdom and information,? said Chris Kage, part of the administrative staff at Coldwell Banker Shooltz Realty.
The successful fund-raiser will go a long way toward helping pay Bray’s mounting medical expenses.
Forced to undergo dialysis three times a week, one month worth of appointments at the DaVita dialysis center in Clarkston costs nearly $30,000.
While insurance covers most of it, Bray must still pay more than $4,000 out of his pocket.
‘The medical expenses are unbelievable, totally overbearing,? Bray said.
Giroux is generously planning to donate one of her kidneys to Bray as soon as she’s cleared by all the doctors and loses more weight.
‘I’m going to Curves and eating well ? all the things I’m supposed to be doing,? she said.
If everything works out, Bray hopes the transplant can take place in the spring.
Coldwell Banker Shooltz Realty set up a special account at Oxford Bank to make contributions to Bray. Those wishing to donate can do so at the bank or the realty office on 110 S. Washington St. in the village.
Approximately $2,080 of the donations Bray received came from contributions made by people who went to see Christ the King Church’s annual production of the ‘The Yellow Brick Road? in October.
For more information about donating call (248) 628-4711.