August 1 fundraiser will surround Ridge Family with love, support
(Talk of the Town photo provided) Tiny Gemma Ridge, below, is surrounded with the love and attention of a whole community, all eager to see her thrive. A fundraiser is planned to help the Jason and Danielle Ridge family on August 1. Gemma is the only surviving child in a set of triplets born to the Ridges at just 23 weeks gestation.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The arrival of a baby is a blessed, exciting time -- but when a baby arrives too early, it also brings trepidation, concern and piles of medical bills.
On June 2, Jason and Danielle (Schmitt) Ridge welcomed their triplets to the world at just 23 weeks gestation. They were born weighing just 1.3, 1.4 and 1.6 pounds each.
Sadly, their two boys, Gabriel and Elliot, did not survive. Still, a ray of hope remains in their tiny daughter, Gemma, who's fighting hard to survive.
To help the family, a group of friends are rallying around the family in support -- and planning a benefit run/walk event for the family on August 1 at 2 p.m.at the Whitley County Family YMCA.
"It is not in our nature, or anyone’s for that matter, to ask people to help," the Ridges said in a blog posting about the fundraiser. "The reality of our situation is that we do need help."
"The 5K is not a race, but more of a community event. It is for our Gemma and Team Gemma," they said. They are grateful for the prayers and ongoing support for their family as they face this difficult time in their lives.
Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are urged to participate. Registration forms are available at Carousel Hair on Van Buren Street in downtown Columbia City and at the Whitley County Family YMCA.
Registration for the run/walk is $25 and $10 for those ages 13 and under. If you register by tomorrow, July 13, the registration fee for adults is $20.
Supporters are also planning a 50/50 drawing and a silent auction that day as well. Any sponsors wanting to participate are urged to provide donations as well.
Team Gemma bracelets are available for sale at Carousel Hair for $2 each with proceeds supporting the Gemma Ridge family.
For more information about how you can help, contact Trisha Wright Poling at jtpol_78@hotmail.com or Brenna Schmidt King at 503-0729.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The arrival of a baby is a blessed, exciting time -- but when a baby arrives too early, it also brings trepidation, concern and piles of medical bills.
On June 2, Jason and Danielle (Schmitt) Ridge welcomed their triplets to the world at just 23 weeks gestation. They were born weighing just 1.3, 1.4 and 1.6 pounds each.
Sadly, their two boys, Gabriel and Elliot, did not survive. Still, a ray of hope remains in their tiny daughter, Gemma, who's fighting hard to survive.
To help the family, a group of friends are rallying around the family in support -- and planning a benefit run/walk event for the family on August 1 at 2 p.m.at the Whitley County Family YMCA.
"It is not in our nature, or anyone’s for that matter, to ask people to help," the Ridges said in a blog posting about the fundraiser. "The reality of our situation is that we do need help."
"The 5K is not a race, but more of a community event. It is for our Gemma and Team Gemma," they said. They are grateful for the prayers and ongoing support for their family as they face this difficult time in their lives.
Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are urged to participate. Registration forms are available at Carousel Hair on Van Buren Street in downtown Columbia City and at the Whitley County Family YMCA.
Registration for the run/walk is $25 and $10 for those ages 13 and under. If you register by tomorrow, July 13, the registration fee for adults is $20.
Supporters are also planning a 50/50 drawing and a silent auction that day as well. Any sponsors wanting to participate are urged to provide donations as well.
Team Gemma bracelets are available for sale at Carousel Hair for $2 each with proceeds supporting the Gemma Ridge family.
For more information about how you can help, contact Trisha Wright Poling at jtpol_78@hotmail.com or Brenna Schmidt King at 503-0729.