Megan's Story
Megan's Story
This is a tough time for many in our community, and it’s easy to feel helpless in the face of so many challenges. But there is a difference you can make, right now, to one girl named Megan.
Megan Benzee is 14, has a sparkle in her eyes, an infectious smile and an incredible artistic talent. She’s a warrior. She’s had to be. This is her story.
Missy and Dave Benzee, the best kind of people, adopted Meg as an infant. They brought this little warrior home from Guatemala at just 5 months old to be cherished as their only God-given child.
For Missy and Dave, there is no doubt that this child was meant to be theirs after years of incredible hardship, pain and suffering. You see, Missy battles Stage IV breast cancer, so Meg came by her warrior upbringing naturally. Missy actively fights and manages the pain and debilitating side effects from more chemo and radiation than you can imagine. In spite of her grueling fight, she helps others. Selflessly, consistently. Missy is on the Board of Directors for a community outreach organization that benefits school children and their families, and she’s a volunteer with her community’s fire company and church.
And the volunteering doesn’t stop there. Dave, having survived a devastating car accident that left him with 7 crushed vertebrae in his neck and back, is the Fire Chief and a lifelong member of the fire company too.
You can see where Meg gets her grit. As for Meg, our warrior is now fighting her own battle.
Meg has developed Type 2 Fibro Atrophy – a systemic muscle disease. It’s an incurable genetic condition that causes her severe pain, escalating weakness, loss of muscle function, loss of cognitive processing skills, and so many more atrocities. Meg loses a little more freedom every day, the freedom to go to school, to move, to run, to play…to live life without the extreme limitations no child should face. But Meg’s a warrior, and she rises to the challenge every single day. Megan has another challenge ahead as she must soon travel to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for additional grueling diagnosis and the development of a treatment plan.
The people that love this family of warriors are organizing an online art auction, featuring original works from professional artists, as well as Meg’s own artwork, as a means to raise the money they will need for treatments, therapies, modifications to their home, travel demands and improvements for Meg’s quality of life.
And please, keep Meg in your thoughts and prayers. Even a warrior needs support. And we are grateful for yours. If we can answer any questions, please contact us. Thank you, from the bottom of our heart.
Sponsors
Sponsors
Artist and Donors
Artist and Donors
Artist /Item Donor Artist /Item Donor Artist /Item Donor
Megan Benzee
Abby Mertzlufft Missy Benzee Michele Conley Vogel
Abby Wolestendiek Deborah Tonsoline Nick Napierala
Ally Demski Deedee Clohessy Nina Pundt
Alyssa Gingerich Designing Dish Norm Gingerich
Amanda Wolestendiek Diane Cambell Paige Jegierski
Ashley Dusza Doug Pashley Pam Russell
Barbara Badgley Erica Forget Parker Cantie
Barbara Gingerich Heather Putney R. Keaton
Betsy Zeness Hillary Waters Fayle Ray Khahn
Brighten Higgins Jackie Bakowski Renee' Jobert
Kari Achatz Janet Gingerich Rodney Gingerich
Casey Kelly Jenn Czechowski Sarah Mertzlufft
Catherine Walsh Jim Bodeker Stephen Besecker
Cheryl Zelasko Jim Cone Sue Rednbock
Christpher Zelasko Karen Stanley Susan Lasky
Curtis Gore Kathy Putney Teresa Stanley
Dave Haight Kayla Zelasko Thalia Shatan
David Reed Krista Klee Tracy Lapp
Deb Manon Anna Rubino Victoria Otto
Supporters
Mark/Kym Pundt Gary Anastasi Deb Charnisky
Sue Czeck Richard Wagner Craig/Alex Gingerich
Ken/Joanie Kumiega Jen Hand Bobby Ganz
Robert/Janet Gingerich Dr. Mary Wolf Freeda Dickhut
Krista Klee Sarah Mertzlufft Val Hess
Heather Putney Devon Dams-O'Connor Dr. Mary Jo Dudek
Rose/Joe Gerardi John / Elaine Boyle Alexandra Smith
Jim / Karen Thompson Clarence / Gladys Gerhardt Catherine Fuer
Eleanor Slazyk Charles / Nancy Kawczynski David / Doreen West
Betty / Brian Gowanlock Anthony / Alicia Roncone Jesse Cramer
Nancy L. Meyers
Auction Details
Auction Details
All auction items will be available for pickup at the Marilla Country Store
Items can be picked up starting October 1st and completed by October 10th - Please bring email confirmation of winning bid or receipt of purchase to align with proper auction item.
If an item is requested to be shipped - all cost is at the winning bidders expense. (Contact Susan Pundt at jamespundt@rochester.rr.com or 716-870-3200 for special arrangements)
Marilla Country Store
1673 Two Rod Road
Marilla, NY 14102
(716) 655-1031
(10:00am - 5:00pm)