Patch Picks: Fundraiser Planned For Cecil Family

While summer may be the time for kids to let loose and act like kids, some children in the Timber Run Development of Cecil Township have been busy planning ways to help the McKain Family as their young son, Jameson, fights for his life. Their answer was a fundraising event being held at 6 p.m. Friday at Cecil Park.

When Jameson's mom, Danielle, was 18 weeks pregnant, she and her husband Patrik learned their son, Jameson would be born missing the left side of his heart. This condition is known as Hypo-Plastic Left Heart Syndrome.

After Jameson was born last September, he spent the first 15 weeks of his life in the hospital. In less than a year, he has undergone four open heart surgeries and is currently in the intensive-care unit experiencing severe heart failure and fighting infection. Jameson and his family are waiting for a compatible heart to become available for transplant.

Last week the neighborhood kids set up a lemonade stand to raise money to help with medical expenses. They knew that wasn't enough, though, and on Monday a plan was hatched to hold the fundraiser.

The event will include a DJ, a corn-hole tournament, a caricature artist, children's games, food, a charity auction and a 50/50 raffle. Some of the 30 items in the raffle include Pirates tickets, restaurant gift certificates, passes for Giggle and Smiles in Robinson, and much more.

Hot dogs and pizza have been donated and will be available for a donation, and people are asked to bring desserts and covered dishes if possible.

According to Jenna Zeh, a friend, neighbor and event coordinator, the fundraiser comes at a time when the family needs some positivity. Danielle, she said, unfortunately had to resign from her job this past week because of the amount of time she needs to spend with Jameson.

While Jameson has been fighting an infection, Zeh said when she visited him on Thursday, he was showing great improvement.

“He took a turn for the better. He can't receive a heart if he is sick and it has been touch and go for a few days. But today he was smiling and just doing so much better," Zeh said.

Zeh asked that people wear green to the event Friday. Green is the official color of organ-transplant awareness. There is no cost for admission and all money raised goes to support the McKain family.

This story originally appeared on Canon-McMillan Patch.