Sergio De Luca

The warm summer evening’s event was attended by approximately 130 people- lots of family and old friends and some brand new friends too. Most all of Sergio’s high school buddies (aka. “BLA”) were there with a few of them flying in from Oregon and Texas.

As people began to arrive, everyone was given a red wristband with the words “Never Give Up” on it. A motto that Sergio has adopted from day one of his diagnoses. These wristbands were purchased from a website www.nevergiveup4pals.org .

Please check out that website. It really tells a wonderful story. We just ask that all who have received one wear it not only for Sergio and for all people with ALS and for anyone who needs a little hope in their day.

A buffet spaghetti dinner with all the trimmings was served along with lots of wonderful homemade cookies and a chocolate fountain for dessert. And because of the very warm weather, cold drinks of all kinds were very refreshing.

Midway through the evening, guests were treated to a pay-pre view boxing match on TV. And just after the match ended, Nicole, daughter of Tim McEntee, thrilled guests by singing a very special song just for Sergio, “Jesus, take the wheel” by Carrie Underwood. To say the least, it was very hard for Sergio and guests to hold back their emotions. A big hug and thank you to Nicole for such a wonderful “gift”.

Then, late into the evening, a very special poker tournament took place and the winner, Lance Gasporra, donated all the winnings to Sergio’s fundraiser. Such amazing friends!

A big giant thank you to all who attended and supported the fundraiser for Sergio held on July 15, 06. Over $20,000 was raised for Sergio to get the needed help to live as long and as healthy as possible.

Because of all the wonderful people who graciously donated time, energy and money, Sergio was able to buy an in-home Hyper-baric chamber which he uses just about every day. Sergio was going to a clinic for hyper-baric therapy for a while but the cost was just too much to endure. Having the chamber at home is not only a lot more cost efficient but has allowed Sergio to get this important treatment daily. In the recent past, hyper-baric therapy has allowed Sergio to maintain his energy level and muscle control, along with giving him the ability for his daily supplements to work more efficiently and allows him to get a better nights rest.

(this is the in home hyperbaric chamber that was purchased for Sergio with the proceeds from the fundraiser)

Sergio, Kelly and kids were extremely over whelmed with the whole event. So many people came out to support Sergio. So many people helped to make the evening a lot of fun. So many people came to let Sergio know just how much his is loved. Words can not express the love and appreciation the whole DeLuca families has for everyone in helping and being a part of helping Sergio during this crucial time of his life. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. For a list of those wonderful people-

To Ken & Shannon Evans - who dreamed up the idea and hosted the event in their beautiful home. Everything was done so nicely & not a detail was missed. You two are nothing short of amazing!!!!!!

To Dave Gasporra- Who flew in from Oregon to be part of Sergio’s day.

To Dave Cox - who flew in from Texas a few days early to help with set up & of course, clean up.

To Sherry Frederick & Leslie McCarthy- for making homemade cookies (in the heat of summer) for dessert.

To Dina Huffman and Duke Rushing Jr. for placing donation jars at a few places in town and collecting funds for their uncle.

To all of Sergio’s family - (mother- Tina, sisters- Lucy Rushing, Sonia Liekhus, Norma Bravo and Tina Guss & their families) for all their love, help, & support with the event (and every day!) to make it very memorable.

And most of all- to those who supported the fundraiser-

Our very special family and friends-

you will never know just how much it means to the entire family that you care. Because of your love, Sergio is getting the treatment that he needs without the financial worry.

Words will never be enough to show our thanks.

But the need for help doesn’t just stop there. Support of all kinds is still needed. Supplements, equipment and treatments are an ongoing need and run approximately $500 a month. If you would still like to help, please do so by sending your donations to:

Every little bit helps Sergio and his family with items and treatment not covered by his insurance.

Again, thank you to each and every one who made the fundraiser such a huge success. Your love and support is truly appreciated.