This Friday, a benefit is being held for Lansing resident Terry Englebrecht who was diagnosed this past summer with a chronic illness, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which has caused a need for a lung transplant. The public is invited to the event from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 17800 Lorenz Drive in Lansing. Tickets are $20 and include dinner. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling (219) 730-2456 or they will be available at the door.
When it comes to lung diseases there is often a stigma that is attached to them because so often the illness is a result of longtime smoking. However, that’s not always the case. IPF has no known cause. Englebrecht was a nonsmoker.
I lost a brother-in-law, who was not a smoker, to lung cancer many years ago. Sometimes other environmental influences are present. And even those who are smokers have my sympathy. I realize it’s a really tough habit to break. I’ve never smoked but many of the people I love the most have and it’s terrible to see them suffer.
So, back to the benefit. The band Chicago Blues Posse will be performing from 8 to 10 p.m. There will be a silent auction and raffles. According to his sister-in-law, once Terry is able to have a transplant, his immune system will then be affected causing him to need to take nearly 20 medications daily.
I’ve known Terry for a few years through his wife, Sandi, who was the Fire Department secretary for many years. It’s nice to see this event planned as it will not only help to cover the steep medical expenses to come, but gives him a chance to see how much he means to so many others and how many people are pulling for him. If you’re not able to attend, but would like to donate, go to www.lungsforlife.net.
Pumpkin contest held at Village Municipal Center
Stop by the Village Municipal Center this week to vote for your favorite pumpkin in the village’s Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Village employees were invited to decorate pumpkins and residents can vote for their favorites by dropping a few coins or dollars in the corresponding container. The money collected will be donated to the Lansing Food Pantry. Voting ends at noon on Friday.
Sending some birthday wishes
I have to send out some happy birthday wishes to some of my favorite Lansing people. My neighbors, Chuck and Fran Mabry, both celebrated birthdays on Oct. 14. He turned 70 and she turned 71. The couple will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary later this year. Congratulations to them!
Happy birthday, also, to Don Olson. Don is a lifelong member of Lansing who is active with the Lansing Historical Society and the Lansing Golden K’s and the First Reformed Church of Lansing. Don turned 85 on Oct. 12. Many happy wishes on this milestone!
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