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Benefit set for Saturday for Gowanda teen

Submitted Photo Jayden “J.J.” Kramer, a student at Gowanda Middle School, suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was hit by a vehicle while riding his bike earlier this summer. A benefit dinner dubbed “J.J.’s Road to Recovery” is set for Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Gowanda Moose Lodge to help cover the costs associated with his recovery.

GOWANDA – This past summer, Jayden “J.J.” Kramer, a student at Gowanda Middle School, was out riding his bike when he was struck by a vehicle. According to a family friend, it took hours before he was found on the side of the road on Route 62 once his family went out looking for him after dark.

Kramer was later transported via Mercy Flight to Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo for treatment, where he remained in critical condition for three weeks with a traumatic brain injury.

In the months since, Kramer has shown the strength to return home, and his community is doing its part to make him feel supported.

This weekend, a benefit dinner is set to help Kramer get back to being himself again. A family-friendly event dubbed J.J.’s Road to Recovery is set for this Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gowanda Moose Lodge.

The fundraiser will assist in easing the financial burden of medical and travel expenses as Kramer undergoes extensive therapy at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. His medical team estimates the treatment will continue for at least six months as he fights to regain his ability to walk and speak.

Tickets cost $25 with free admission for children age 13 and younger. Purchase of a ticket includes: Italian sausage with peppers and onions, ziti with bread and butter, a garden salad, a vegetable, and refreshments.

Live music by Tennessee Whiskey Band will be from 2 to 5 p.m., along with a basket raffle, an auction, a bake sale, and face-painting. Signed Bills memorabilia will be among the prizes, along with many gift baskets donated by dozens of area businesses, organizations and individuals from throughout the community.

For ticket purchases and basket donations, contact Valerie at (716) 864-9474 or Colleen at (716) 803-5618. Presale tickets can be purchased via Venmo at @Valerie-Edd. All other aspects of the fundraiser, including the auction, are cash only.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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