James Hatala of Dunkirk lost his medical assistance and is without insurance to cover his expenses for his surgery on Aug. 22 at ECMC. He contacted the RO Foundation for assistance in his travels to ECMC for his surgery and follow-ups.
"I'm so glad that this foundation is out there and especially for local community people!" Hatala explains. "I thought what a wonderful way to pay back such a great cause for my fellow community members!"
That's when Hatala came up with the idea to walk from Dunkirk NY to ECMC hospital where he will have surgery on Aug. 22.
"I plan on leaving Dunkirk City pier on August 19th and reaching ECMC the day before my surgery, all to bring awareness to the RO Foundation so they can continue helping people in need of travel to their treatment centers," he said.
He'll be leaving the city pier Sunday around 9:30 a.m.
On Sunday at Wright Park Beach House Grill a fundraiser will be held, to include a chicken barbecue by Mike Porpiglia, music and a Chinese auction. To donate a basket or purchase pre-sale tickets, contact Jim at 785-0359 or hetallica64@yahoo.com. Tickets for the barbecue may be purchased at Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, Dom Polski Club, Columbus Club, Main Wine & Spirits, and Beach House Grill.
Also in the works is a campaign for individuals or teams to each walk 1, 3 or 5 miles, alongside of Hatala in support. Cost will be $15 per person and participants will receive a "I'd Walk a Mile in Your Shoes" T-shirt, to help defray the cost of hotel and meals on Hatala's walk, with the rest going to the RO Foundation. The walk will start at the Dunkirk City pier and head out Route 5. To sign up, contact NCCF 212 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk or call 366- 4892.
The RO Foundation assists patients and families with transportation for long term treatments in the form of gas, food and lodging, to treatment centers near and far. To donate, go to the foundation's website at www.rofoundation.com or send checks to RO Foundation 212 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk, NY 14048.
The RO Foundation is a fund of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. For more information, visit www.NCCFoundation.org or call 366-4892.
