By:Nick Buglione
For the first time since receiving life-saving heart transplant surgery in January, East Meadow-s Shelby Caban got to leave her house, dance and hang out with all her friends at a fund-raiser in her honor at Parkway Community Church in Hicksville.
Although a surgical mask covered her face for most of the night, a precaution against infection, a smile was clearly beaming underneath. As if they had been waiting for a movie start to walk into a club, people flocked around the young girl from the moment she entered to offer their best.
It was overwhelming because everyone was, like, coming up to me and saying, ÔHi, Shelby,- she said. Some people I don-t even know.
Perhaps their enthusiasm was fueled by the fact that just months ago, Shelby-s life was very much in doubt. Diagnosed in December with restrictive cardiomyopathy, a condition in which heart muscle stiffening prevents the chambers of the heart from properly filling with blood, Shelby needed a heart transplant to stay alive.
For 40 agonizing days, the Cabans waited for a donor, until finally on Jan. 12, Shelby received the heart transplant she so desperately needed in a little over five hours of surgery.
Shelby was given a new lease on life, but the Cabans- troubles didn-t stop there. While most of the major costs were covered by the family-s health insurance plan, medical expenses are expected to pile up over the years because of pricey co-payments and the like.
Rallying to the family-s aid, East Meadow residents formed Friends of Shelby, a group dedicated to supporting the Cabans in all ways possible.
There has been an unbelievable outpouring from community and business members of East Meadow, said Geri Shikora, of Friends of Shelby, who helped organize last week-s Italian feast fund-raiser at Parkway. Without all these wonderful people, this would not be happening.
About 300 people turned out for the event, which raised about $10,000 for the family, according to early estimates. Putting the whole thing together was truly a team effort, Shikora said.
Rev. Harold Lay, of Parkway Community Church, donated the hall and Uncle Giuseppe-s Italian Market in East Meadow provided all the food for free.
Uncle Giuseppe-s is a community store and a good friend of mine came in and asked me to help in this particular situation, said owner Thomas Barresi. I thought it was the only right thing to do.
About 100 local businesses and residents donated scores of items to be raffled off, as well. Meanwhile, McVey Elementary School teacher Jo Targove, who also runs the Bellmore-based deejay company Dream Catcher Entertainment, volunteered to provide the music.
None of your acts of kindness have gone unnoticed, Bea Caban, Shelby-s mother, told the crowd on behalf of herself, husband Orlando and son Ernesto. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
The night was also a big spirit booster for Shelby, who has been largely confined to her house since the surgery and won-t be able to return to school this year. She was ready for two hours, Bea said, noting how eager her daughter was to attend the event.
This was the second fund-raiser for the Cabans in as many months. Maryanne Maciura, a crossing guard near McVey Elementary School, organized a bowl-a-thon benefit for the family Feb. 8.
I want to thank everyone in East Meadow for all their donations and gifts, Shelby said. I know you all worked so hard.
Look at me now, she continued. I-m healing great and feeling perfectly fine.
