Lynn and Steve Sarko, pictured at home in Hellertown
A Hellertown man who was left partially paralyzed by post-operative complications related to the removal of a neuroblastoma brain tumor in 2009 is one of four recipients of this year’s Community Outreach Benefit (COB); an annual Coopersburg-based event that raises money for local families facing extraodinary medical/financial challenges.
Steve Sarko, a 40-something father of three and grandfather, worked as a diesel mechanic until he became wheelchair-bound and needed around-the-clock care.
His wife, Lynn, ultimately had to quit her job as a medical technician at Holy Family Manor in Bethlehem to help care for him, and since then she has faced her own medical challenges.
After it became difficult for her to lift heavy objects, she left the assisted living facility in 2013, she said, adding that she would like to find a less physically-demanding part-time job in the medical field in the future.
In addition to taking care of her husband, Lynn helps care for her 2-year-old grandson while her son Steven–who lives at home and helps support his parents–is at work as an assistant gas station manager.
“The Sarkos receive some hours of personal aid assistance and Social Security disability benefits, but they are falling farther and farther behind on their mortgage,” according to information posted on the COB website.
Lynn confirmed that in an interview, and said their financial problems are growing, as their home now needs expensive electrical work because it was discovered it has aluminum-clad wiring that poses a fire hazard.
Other expenses the family is facing include a new wheelchair and new glasses for Steve, whose already bad vision is deteriorating.
Glasses aren’t covered by Medicare, Lynn said, and a new wheelchair is only covered once every five years.
At three years old, Steve’s wheelchair is already worn out from constant use.
The family is hopeful that some of the money raised by COB will help them out of a financial hole they never thought they would be in.
COB has fundraisers throughout the spring and summer which will culminate with their annual Block Party on Sunday, July 31 from 1 to 7 p.m. at St. John’s UCC in Coopersburg. The block party features food, live entertainment, auctions, bingo, a bake sale, games and much more.
Their 2016 Mega-Raffle features a grand prize of $10,000 cash, along with a second prize of $500 cash, a third prize of $250 cash and a fourth prize of $250 cash, with the prize money donated by local businesses.
Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased from Mike Loew by calling 610-248-7056 or emailing lu*****@ya***.com. Lynn is also selling the raffle tickets, and can be reached at 484-353-0234.
On Friday, May 27 from 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, May 28 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., as well as Friday, July 1 from 4 to 7 pm., and Saturday, July 2 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. they will also be on sale at Link Beverage, 315 Thomas St., Coopersburg.
A maximum of 3,500 tickets will be sold, with the $25,000 profit from the sales split between the four recipients of this year’s benefit.
The other recipients of this year’s COB fundraiser are:
- Karen Parke of Richlandtown, who needs a hip replacement and is housebound due to blood clots in her legs and lungs
- Deborach Dawson of Quakertown, who has a rare cancer called signet ring cell adenocarcinoma of the appendix
- Finn Miller of Coopersburg, who is 1 and was born with Beckwith-Wiederman Syndrome, a condition that comes with birth defects and increased risks for cancer and other problems
Over the past 14 years, COB has raised approximately $630,000 for 46 local recipients who were in need of monetary support as a result of medical problems.
Donations to COB can be mailed to: St. John’s UCC, 538 Thomas St., Coopersburg, PA 18036 (ATTN: COB). Checks should be made payable to COB.
For more information about the upcoming fundraisers and background on this year’s recipients, visit www.cobcares.org.
