Family needs community's help for ailing child

Here's a letter to the community from friends of the Sputore family.

Dear Friends, Families & Business Owners:

This letter is to inform you of “Brooklyn’s Journey” -- a fundraising effort to assist a beautiful young family in Batavia whose child is facing a life-threatening situation.

Beyond her big blue eyes and her fair skin, Brooklyn Grace Sputore is suffering from a condition called Vein of Galen Brain Malformation, which is a form of an aneurysm. This is a life-threatening condition that requires special care.

The family will be traveling to Roosevelt Hospital in New York City for the appropriate treatment, including a number of surgeries.

Brooklyn Sputore is the daughter of Michael and Julie Sputore, of Batavia, the grandaughter of Paul and Mary Sputore, and Doug and Jan Hawley, both of Batavia. Michael and Julie also have a 5-year-old son.

In addition to the challenges of the condition alone, the parents will need to take leave of their jobs while caring for the child, which will create further financial need.

“Brooklyn's Journey” is a community effort to support the challenges this young family faces. There is a fundraiser planned for April 10 at St. Joseph's School at 2 Summit St., Batavia, from 12:30-5:30 p.m.

This will include a spaghetti dinner, a Chinese auction and other raffles. The tickets can be purchased pre-sale from Paul Sputore 781-8138 and other committee members. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Brooklyn's Journey T-shirts are $15 and can be purchased from Bruce Dedman 716-560-0031 or T.F. Brown’s /Mancuso Bowling Center. All proceeds will assist this family in this difficult time.

The family is seeking donations of baskets, prizes or gift certificates for the fundraiser. Monetary donations are gratefully accepted and can be sent to Brooklyn Sputore, c/o: Paul & Mary Sputore, 18 Sumner St., Batavia.

Please consider helping this family. Any questions, ideas or for more info, please call Chris Sputore (716) 316-3744. Your help is gratefully appreciated!