So Salem: Community news from Salem - For the Love of Isabelle

Great article on Roanoke.com Salem blog - featuring Isabelle Simmons and work done by the amazing Tabitha Concepcion and other friends from area churches.  I'm incredibly proud to have just a tiny part of this beautiful event.

So Salem: Community news from Salem - Roanoke.com: For the Love of Isabelle: Dinner, Auction and Entertainment March 13


Isabelle Simmons, 2, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on Nov. 8. While her parents, Ben and Tabitha Simmons, were "still spinning from the diagnosis," friends and family jumped in and started organizing a fundraiser.
Family members estimate that the Simmonses’ out-of-pocket expenses could exceed $200,000. This estimate includes chemotherapy treatments that Isabelle will undergo for 2½ years. The exact cost will depend on the number of times Isabelle is hospitalized and has transfusions, as well as if bone marrow transplants are necessary.

A spaghetti dinner, organized by family friend Tabitha Concepcion, is being held in order to help the Simmons family with medical expenses. Entertainment will include a bluegrass band and Christian musician Tony Vines. Items contributed for the silent auction by local businesses include a Deep Creek Lake House Vacation for 14, Coach bags and a Thunder Valley package. Various themed baskets have been donated by local churches whose members are also pitching in to help cook dinner.
"I attend the Living Water Christian church in Salem," says Isabelle’s uncle, Don Charles of Salem. "They have been such a blessing to my life, and as soon as they heard about my niece, they immediately offered their help. They have offered to let people send their donations for Isabelle to the church in order to have a tax deduction. Members of the congregation are also on the committee that is planning Isabelle’s fundraiser. We’re thankful for Living Water and the other congregations in the valley who have reached out with ‘concrete acts of love’ in support our family during a difficult time."
"The thing that I am looking forward to the most is not the money, but getting to see so many people who are there to love and support Isabelle," says her mom. "Our hope and prayer is that her story can be an encouragement to other families going through similar situations."
What: For the Love of Isabelle: Dinner, auction and entertainment
When: Saturday, March 13, 5 p.m.
Where: Roanoke Moose Lodge, 3233 Catawba Valley Drive
How much: $8 adults/$4 children
For information, contact Tabitha Concepcion 986-6718
Submitted by Laura Wade, special to SoSalem.