Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - The community will have the opportunity to support a mother who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and dreams of taking her two sons to Disney World.
An all-you-can-eat soup and sandwich benefit dinner will be held Oct. 14 at the Senior Citizen Center, 1590 Park Ave., Winona Lake.
The dinner will support Lowellita "Skeet" Miller, 38, Atwood, who has suffered from Cystic Fibrosis since birth.
The disease Miller suffers from attacks the lungs and can harm digestion and vitamin absorption by clogging the pancreas and intestines.
Miller needs to gain approximately 15 pounds before she qualifies for a double lung and pancreas transplant, and her dream is to take her two sons, Daric, 15, and Brandt, 6, to Disney World.
Miller was hospitalized last week after she had complications with her feeding tube. She also had pneumonia in January and was in the hospital for three weeks recovering.
"The family has been on an emotional roller coaster with Lowellita's illness, and she wants to provide her boys with a memorable vacation because they have never taken one together," said Miller's aunt, Kathy Schlotterback.
The Dream Foundation, an organization that grants dreams to adults ages 18 and older, will send the family to Disney World Oct. 21-27.
Miller's mother, Glenna Wagner, director of nursing at Grace Village, said she is pleased her daughter's wish has been granted.
"I'm glad and thankful she is getting her wish, but it is unfortunate for the circumstances," Wagner said.
Wagner described her daughter as one of her best friends.
The dinner also will include a dance, auction and raffles.
Tickets are $10 per person and children under 5 get in for free. Those who purchase tickets will be entered into a drawing for a week's stay for a family of four at a cottage in Barbee Lake. Tickets can be purchased by calling Schlotterback at 260-413-9230 or can be purchased at the door.
Door prizes will be given every hour and a raffle will be held with prizes, including toys, shampoo, lotion and gift certificates to local businesses.
People with airline miles that would like to donate them towards the Miller's trip can call Rebecca Wampler at 574-342-0431.
Those who would like to donate items for the auction and raffle can call Barbara Wood at 260-982-2946.
Monetary tax deductible gifts may be sent to Rebecca Wampler, 305 E. North St., Bourbon, IN 46504.
For more information on the dinner, call 574-342-0431 or 260-413-9230.
