Fundraiser for Lake Zurich Teen September 16

One year ago, Alyssa was a healthy middle school student in Lake Zurich, very active in cheerleading. But in October 2016, Alyssa contracted strep throat and mono, and her condition quickly worsened after she went into cardiac arrest and had to be put on life support. Her brain had been deprived of essential oxygen and she suffered a global anoxic brain injury, which has left her without vision and mobility.

A local charity, Friends In Deed, has joined the effort to help Alyssa and her family raise funds for her care and therapy. Although Alyssa suffered significant tissue death in her brain, with the help of caring and generous people in the community she will continue to make progress every single day.

Friends In Deed is hosting a fundraiser for Alyssa from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, at BBQ'd Productions, 405 N. Rand Road. in Lake Zurich. There will be no charge for admittance, and activities include raffles, a silent auction, games and music.

There will be food available for purchase, and BBQ'd Productions will donate 20 percent of their proceeds from that day starting at 11 a.m. and going all night to Alyssa's medical fund. You can also send a donation to the family through the Friends In Deed website, helpfriendsindeed.org, and write "Alyssa" in the donation note.

Friends In Deed's mission statement says "though we can't change the world, we can change our corner of it, based on the simple fact that people care."

Alyssa and her family are surrounded by people who believe in her, and they are optimistic that her youth and fighting spirit will help her to improve and build up her brain every day. Her cheerleading family has been an amazing source of support, and the Lake Zurich High School cheer team canceled a performance at Notre Dame on Sept. 16 in order to help out at Alyssa's fundraiser. BBQ'd Productions, who has recently added Lake Zurich to their other locations in the area, has also shown extreme generosity to Alyssa's family.

"I've seen the outreach from the Lake Zurich community, and it takes my breath away," Alyssa's aunt said. "I can't thank each and every one enough for the love and support you've shown Alyssa and our family ... we are forever grateful."

For more information about Funding Alyssa's Fight, contact Nancy Hadgisava at Friends In Deed, at (847) 494-7127, or daisy@helpfriendsindeed.org. You can also visit their website at helpfriendsindeed.org. Information about Alyssa's progress can be found on Facebook, #TeamAlyssa - Alyssa's Journey.

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