Fundraisers to help Elgin teen awaiting heart transplant

Danny's on Douglas, 231 Douglas Ave. in Elgin, is hosting a fundraiser for Elgin High sophomore Keri Woodruff, who is awaiting a heart transplant. "Pizza, Pop & Karaoke" will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, to help defray medical expenses. The $15 per person at the door covers all-you-can-eat pizza and pop at the pizza buffet from 6 to 8 p.m., with karaoke from 7 to 9 p.m.

If you can't make it, come to St. John's Church and School, 109 N. Spring St. in Elgin, from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 5, for players-vs.-coaches charity basketball games. All proceeds are going to help with medical costs. There will be food, games, raffles.

According to her gofundme.com page, Keri is a 17-year-old Elgin High sophomore who needs a heart transplant due to congenital heart defects. She has been waiting for a new heart for over a year. She is intelligent, happy and as active as possible. Keri is working on her driving permit and hopes to have her driver's license by the fall. She wants to open her own restaurant when she is older because she loves to cook. Keri has a twin sister, Jessi; a younger sister, Sami; and an older brother, Erik, a Marine. Her mom retired to stay home with Keri. This fund will help pay for the ongoing medical bills due to Keri's condition and medication costs.

Consider donating at www.gofundme.com/l6c980.