May fundraiser planned for Mooers

Posted: March 15, 2010

A woman of faith, family and community is continuing her quest to beat the brain cancer that has exhausted standard protocol. Eileen Mooers, of Delafield, is in North Carolina seeking unconventional treatment that will largely go uninsured.

As a result, relatives, friends and neighbors have banded together to plan a fundraiser to help the family meet expenses.

Mooers, a founder of Lake Country Caring, and who is well-known for her charitable endeavors, has been locked in a two-year-struggle with an aggressive form of the disease.

Organizer Joe Washcovick said the need facing the family is substantial.

"After her second bout last December, her medical team at Froedtert said they were concerned there wasn't much more they could do. They looked into this alternative treatment in North Carolina. The basic thing is, the place is costing $4,000 to $6,000 a week for treatment," he explained.

"The reality of what they are facing is potentially 10 to 20 weeks. If insurance covers anything, it's 10 to 15 percent," he added.

That realization led to efforts to alleviate some of the financial burden.

The new treatment plan has met with some success over the years.

"The process is detoxifying her body from environmental toxins that harm a person's immune system" in order to clear the body to fight the cancer, he explained.

While in North Carolina, Eileen and her husband, Neil, are staying with friends. Neil continues to work and travels for his job.

Washcovick said he gained the approval of the family for a fundraiser.

"Things are taking shape, big time," Washcovick said.

The event will be held mid-day on Sunday, May 16, at Saxe's, in Genesee.

"Tom Saxe is a friend of Eileen's and a cancer survivor, and he has decided to host the event," Washcovick explained.

A mass e-mail was sent to friends asking for assistance.

"I have spoken with, and heard from, so many of you, that you want to help; well, here is your chance. With Neil and Eileen's blessing, we have begun a fundraising effort called Eileen's Helping Hands.

"Eileen and Neil have always been willing to extend their love and help to others in need. It is now my prayer that we can all extend help to the Mooers family in their time of need," the message read.

"We are focusing on this being a family event, so we are looking for activities and helpers in many areas."

The event will feature a silent auction/raffle.

"We need many volunteers to solicit businesses in Delafield, Oconomowoc and the Hartland areas, " he explained in the e-mail.

Washcovick said they are readying to get the word out to potential donors.

"We're doing really well. We have a letter being prepped for the business community in the Lake Country area asking for donations. We already have at least 10 people who have stepped forward and offered to donate something for the auction.

"Our prayer for this day is that it is one of celebration and fun. Our goal is to lift up Eileen, Neil and the girls with a joyful day that is filled with music, love and smiles. In the process we want to raise a lot of money for Eileen and her family, to assist them with medical bills and other necessities that have come from Eileen's two year battle with cancer," Washcovick told recipients of his message.

Eileen's sister-in-law, Carrie (Mooers) Weihler, said the cooperation they have received thus far has been impressive.

"I think people just want to help. They (Eileen and Neil) have always been 'givers.' Sometimes it's hard for givers to be takers," she explained.

"What do you do in this situation? You do whatever you can," she said.

Through area residents Mykul Steinke and Michelle Gugin, the organization has an event logo and a Web site to share information, www.eileenshelpinghands.com.

Information on the event will be updated on the site.

"What a great person she is, and how incredible it would be to have this outpouring of support. It would warm their hearts. We're always praying for miracles, but I think it would mean so much to Eileen," Weihler said of the event.

Organizers are looking for entertainment, including bands and musicians, and inflatable games and houses, art programs, facepainters and clowns for children. Other ideas and suggestions are welcome.

Other volunteer opportunities exist in food and beverage areas as well as in advertising, printing and copying.

"We would love for all of the vendors and businesses to donate products, packages and services for free; however, we understand that in the touchy economy we have to be open to all offers and arrangements that will help Eileen and her family meet their needs," Washcovic said. "So any percentage of said companies sales that can be donated to Eileen's Helping Hands is welcome. This includes businesses that want to designate a day that they will donate for our cause. We can advertise it on our Web site and in future circulars."

An account has been set up at First Bank Financial Centre in Oconomowoc under "Eileen's Helping Hands," (262) 569-3055.Checks can also be mailed to Joe Washcovick for deposit. For more information, call him at (262) 707-2875 (cell) or (262) 965-4466 (home).

Fundraiser

→ 2 p.m.Sunday, May 16

→ Saxe's Casual Fine Dining, 1/2 mile west of Highway 83 on Highway18, Genesee

→ For more info, call Joe Washcovick at (262) 707-2875, (262) 965-4466 or e-mail ehelpinghands@yahoo.com