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HANOVER TWP. — About 275 people and dozens of cars and bikes came out to support an ailing Hanover Township man in need of a rare transplant.
The inaugural Karing for Keith Car Show and Cookout raised roughly $5,000 for Keith Wilde, who is awaiting an intestinal transplant in Washington, D.C.
Keith’s wife, Sue, said the money raised will help cover travel and lodging expenses incurred while Keith stays near Washington. He will also be required to stay after the surgery is finished for follow-up biopsies twice a week and eventually another surgery. She expects him to be away from home up to six months.
“Intestinal transplants are the least common transplants and only 50 to 60 are done in the United States each year,” Sue said.
She noted Keith, 56, began experiencing health problems two years ago.
Visitors to The Grove at the Catholic War Vets post Sunday were able to take a close look at a wide variety of automobiles, including classic cars, modified trucks and shiny motorcycles. Some were decades old, some were new, but all were well-cared for by their proud owners.
Sue said about 60 vehicles came out in all, not bad considering there were several other car shows in the area this past weekend.
There was picnic-style food for the cookout, plus music, commemorative T-shirts and more than 100 raffle baskets. Raffle prizes included a trip for two to New York City donated by Martz Trailways.
Sue thanked all the family and friends who donated their time and the many local businesses who made donations for the raffle baskets.
Keith was “overwhelmed with happiness” from the show of support.
“There are still so many kind people in this area,” Sue said. “They have shown us kindness, love and support throughout the past two years. They have no idea how much of a difference they have made in our lives and how it is a driving force for the ongoing recovery.”
“This is the first (event of its kind) and we plan on having more in the future to help people like Keith needing transplant,” she added.
Monetary donations can be made out to Karing for Keith and sent to:
Cross Valley Federal Credit Union
280 N. Sherman St.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
