By:Nick Buglione
The fund-raiser is to be held at the East Meadow Fire Department headquarters at 197 East Meadow Ave., right next to the library.
The benefit is still in its planning stages and further details will be available in the coming weeks, said Kellyjon Miranda-Fritzen. She did note, however, that if the weather is nice the garage sale will be held outside.
"We're certainly not in the position we were in," Kellyjon said, of her family's financial situation. "We're not doing terrible."
About four months ago, however, Kellyjon, husband Scott and young son Ben weren't sure if they'd have a house to live in much longer.
In a tearful interview with the Herald last November, Kellyjon told of her heart condition, Scott's stroke, her recent leukemia diagnosis, the car accident that could have ended her husband's life and the thousands of dollars in repairs they've had to pour into their new home.
With Kellyjon and Scott out of work for health-related reasons, $415 left in their bank account, and myriad bills looming, the family thought their days were numbered. Until, of course, the East Meadow community stepped in.
After learning of the Fritzen family's plight, donations came pouring into the law offices of attorney Alan Hodish, then president of the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce. Hodish spearheaded efforts to aid the family.
Everybody pitched in, from local organizations like the chamber and Kiwanis to local elected officials like Hempstead Town Councilman Gary Hudes (R-Levittown). And then there were, of course, random acts of kindness from complete strangers.
Shortly after the front-page story's publication, Kellyjon said a woman, who identified herself only as Vicki, knocked on her door and handed her husband a $300 money order.
A woman from Massachusetts, in town visiting her mother when she read the Herald article, bought Ben a new pair of shoes.
Over 130 residents and groups reached out to the family, helping raise over $3,000. The money was sorely needed and allowed the family to cover its bills and mortgage payments. Today, the Fritzens are in much better shape.
Scott has returned to work and Kellyjon, after receiving two months of chemotherapy and stem cell treatment at Winthrop University Hospital, is feeling great. "My physical therapy has been going really well," she said. "If you saw me right now, you wouldn't realize I was sick."
Still, Kellyjon won't be returning to work until August at the earliest and, with taxes and more bills pending, the family can still use a little help.
The garage sale will feature a plethora of merchandise, including electronics, televisions, bookcases and baby items. Most of the donated goods were leftover from an October sale the family held outside their home.
"A lot of people have been collecting more stuff," Kellyjon said. "So, there's more stuff coming."
Any merchants or residents that would like to donate any other items can call Kellyjon at (516) 542-6107 or Hodish at 222-1640.
"We'll definitely give her a hand and get people down there," Hodish said, noting that if anyone wants to volunteer to help out they can also call him. "Anyone that has any items suitable for a garage sale, that would be great."
The fire department is donating the use of its facilities, as well as the tables to display the merchandise. Kellyjon also said her brother, an accomplished musician, will be on hand to provide some tunes for the shoppers.
