Barbeque raises funds for medical, living expenses for family
By Meagan McGone
mmcgone@hometownnewsol.com
TITUSVILLE -- A Titusville family is in need of support from its surrounding community.
Roger and Laura Patton faced a tough time in 2012. Mr. Patton lost his fulltime work, and Mrs. Patton, who is a severe diabetic, recently suffered from a severe foot infection, which resulted in her inability to walk for the next two months. Additionally, the couple's 16-year-old daughter, Judy, who is a special-needs child with autism and Asperger's syndrome, underwent a heart procedure in early 2012.
Linda Humphrey, who has been a friend of the family for 10 years, said there came a time when she could no longer sit back and watch the struggles that the family endured.
"I watched when Roger lost his fulltime work more than a year ago; I watched when Judy had a heart procedure last year, which included trips to Tampa, and I have watched as Laura, being a severe diabetic, was dealing with an infection in her foot that required her to stop working and have ongoing treatments - first as an inpatient, now twice a day at the hospital," Mrs. Humphrey said.
At first, the Pattons were against asking for help. But Mrs. Humphrey said she talked them into allowing her to organize a benefit in their honor.
"I see a great need in this family, which has been in Titusville for almost 40 years," Mrs. Humphrey said. "Laura and her husband have raised their daughter here. This is their home. And in Brevard, every member of the community is your neighbor."
The benefit, called "Lending Laura A Hand," will take place on Saturday, March 9 at Pinto's Lounge, at 7555 U.S. 1. in Titusville. It will start at 1 p.m.
For $5, participants can enjoy a complete barbecue lunch. Additionally, the event will feature music, raffles, baked items for sale and more.
If people would like to give more, they may donate to the Laura Patton Fund at any Chase bank location.
Mrs. Humphrey said she hopes that many people will come together to help this family in need.
"Brevardians are kind and supportive, and I believe they will come out to help this family and have fun," Mrs. Humphrey said.
For more information, call Mrs. Humphrey at (407) 568-1460.