The Neighbors Helping Neighbors Committee of the West Village Houses is organizing our first Fundraiser to be held Saturday afternoon, June 11, rain date Sunday, June 12. It’s in a courtyard, entrance on Washington St. between Morton and Barrow Streets. We will have a silent auction of goods and services, baked goods and snacks for purchase and entertainment to raise money to allow Gabrielle Broder to enjoy freedom of movement and have access to a full complement of therapies. Gabrielle, who grew up here in the WVH, suffered a catastrophic car accident last fall. Gabrielle is now living in her mom’s WVH apartment and continues to improve. After the accident, she initially had no sensation below her chest, but now she has sensation all over her body—but still no muscle movement below her waist. New treatments for spinal cord injuries are becoming available; however, at present, Gabrielle requires strong and trained help 24/7.
Among many other expenses, Gabrielle and her mom must pay for a $50-60,000 lift so she can exit their below street level apartment through a Bank Street-facing window. Please email Rima Blair if you have questions or wish to volunteer, blairchynsky@verizon.net. —Rima Blair
