Spaghetti dinner for girl diagnosed with severe case of Juvenile Arthritis

A spaghetti dinner will be held for a Palmerton girl recently diagnosed with a severe case of juvenile arthritis.

The basket raffle, bake sale and spaghetti dinner for Jaylin Strohl will be held from 4-8 p.m. Jan. 27 at the West End Fire Company #2. The cost is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 5-12.

A first-grade student at Towamensing Elementary School, Jaylin was recently diagnosed with the disease, according to Kevin Buck, co-organizer of the event.

Buck said Jaylin currently is treating it with twice-a-day medication, along with an additional pill and shot weekly.

The medication, which has side effects of its own will cause her to be monitored every six weeks to check potential hazards of the medications, as well as medical doctor visits to try to receive the goal of remission, he said.

Buck said physical therapy is required currently twice a week to correct joint shift due to inflammation, as well as every other day home therapy.

“There is a very long road ahead for this little girl and her family both mentally, physically and also financially,” Buck said. “Driving expenses, time out of work for parents to take to appointments and bills, which are not taken care of by insurance, have already become a financial strain, with more years to follow.”

Buck added, “The entire family have been an integral part of the Palmerton-Towamensing Athletic Association, and have helped so many families develop their children to become better athletes and people. As a community, let’s give back to that family now.”

“This is a great fundraiser that supports a suffering child in our community,” he said. “We are grateful for any items, gift cards, certificates, and monetary gifts to be raffled in the basket raffle, or any baked goods which can be delivered the day of the event. Anything that you may have to offer will be greatly appreciated.”

Buck said anyone with questions about the event may call 610-248-3502.

“The family thanks you in advance for your generous support throughout this difficult time,” he said.