Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

We are holding a benefit chicken dinner for Liam McCarthy on March 23, 2013 at the P.A Club located off Vineyard avenue in Oak Bluffs. Liam is in desperate need of a walk aide device that his insurance will not cover and it is very expensive. Liam and his four brothers and sisters are all students in the Martha’s Vineyard School System and they live with their mother Kelly McGuiggin.

Liam was diagnosed with having a stroke in utero and has many deficits physically and will require help for most of his life. Kelly is a hard working single mother who is the Sysco representative for the Island. Liam loves to play baseball and is very well loved by his team. When I asked some of his friends about him they said “Liam, got to love that kid.”

So does his school and just about everyone who meets him. Everyone says he is the sweetest boy you will meet. You can’t help but adore him. He is so full of life, love and determination.

Help us get Liam the walk aide he needs to become more independent and mobile. He would also love a bicycle. The same company makes an adaptive one that would allow Liam to ride with his siblings and his friends. I know that this Island is amazing at helping our own, especially our children. We hope to see you there so you can meet this wonderful young man and his amazing family and see what a difference you can make by just having diner.

Sincerely,

Gina DeBettencourt and Olivia-Law Butler, Oak Bluffs