Family and friends of Doug Zywicki host a spaghetti dinner fund raiser for him, 5-11 p.m., Wednesday, July 27, at American Legion Post 377, 4819 Mary Sue Ave.
Zywicki, 44, is a husband, father of two, and stepfather of two. In December 2009, he became ill with legionella pneumonia which later led to his being diagnosed with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, previously misdiagnosed as mylofibrosis.
He has been battling this form of blood cancer for a year and half and in that time lost half of a lung and spleen, and now lives by getting frequent blood transfusions.
“Every outing requires he bring an oxygen tank and a cane,” said Keegan Sulecki, Zywicki’s step daughter. “Some days it can be a struggle for him to walk to the bathroom.”
He can’t work and his wife, Laura, took several unpaid leaves from work to care for Doug.
“It is the hope of family and close friends that this benefit will raise enough money to cover the mounting doctor bills and to help them though Doug’s future bone marrow transplant, which is his only hope for a cure,” Sulecki said.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 children.
American Legion Post 377 donated use of their hall for the fund raiser. Many local individuals and businesses also contributed, including Clarkston Paper, Hollywood Market, Outback, Royal Diner, Clarkston Hot Yoga, Tierra Jewelers.
Items for auction include autographed, hand-drawn picture of Kid Rock, and a Nascar helmet signed by Dale Earhart, Jr.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Clarkston community, this benefit will be an enjoyable evening with live music by band 2XL and items for the raffle and auction that will hopefully help Doug and his family reach their goal,” Sulecki said.
For more information, call Sulecki at 248-396-8844. For info on bone marrow donation, check www.marrow.org.
? Phil Custodio