 Old Forge Classes of ‘77 and ‘78 rally around the cause of current Blue Devil, Kiel Eigen
Talk about a loving and supportive community in which, it seems, almost everybody knows your name–– especially when it matters most. In 2006, eighth-grader Kiel Eigen, then 14 years old, was paralyzed from the waist down in a tragic accident while playing football for the Old Forge Blue Devils. It was the first game of the season. When the coach called Kiel’s parents onto the field, they knew it was bad. A short time later, their worst fears were realized; their young son’s neck was broken.
As Keith and Kandi Eigen rushed to make the agonizing drive to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia to be with their son, who had been life-flighted there, the Old Forge community and Kiel’s teammates turned out in force with food and overnight bags- anything the family needed.
“I wouldn’t wish this on anybody, but I am so grateful for this community and all our friends. I’m overwhelmed,” said Kandi during a recent interview.
There have been several fundraisers for the Eigen family to help with some of the staggering expenses that its insurance doesn’t cover. Now, the 1977 and 1978 graduating classes of Old Forge High School want to do their part. Last year, those two classes held their 30-year high school reunion. Before the celebration was over they decided to get together again, on a grander scale, for Kiel’s benefit.
The Classes of ‘77 and ‘78 are calling on all Old Forge graduates from 1970 to 1980 to come together this summer for a “Decade Alumni Celebration” on August 2. The organizers are also hoping that area businesses will pitch in to defray the estimated $5,000 cost of the event, which will be held at the All Seasons Banquet Center, 3729 R. Birney Ave., in Moosic.
Their goal is to raise at least $15,000 to help Kiel’s family with its never-ending medical bills. That means only 300 need to attend, which seems rather doable considering there are 11 classes, approximately 1,200 alumni, who are invited. But the planners are hoping they will have to set up tents to accommodate an overflow of guests.
“This is all about Kiel,” said Diane DeFrancesco, a principal member of the planning committee.
She said he needs, among other things, a special bed.
“That just broke my heart,” she said.
Angelo Genell, an owner of the popular Old Forge eatery Arcaro & Genell’s, said that Kiel strongly believes that he’ll walk again. “His enthusiasm drives us. We’re going to shake all the trees we need to shake,” he said. “There’s a lot of spirit in this town.”
Kiel, who endures grueling therapy that includes riding 12 miles on a special stationary bicycle three times a week, said it is so nice that people still remember him 18 months after his accident.
“It means a lot,” said Kiel.
Kandi called those organizing this latest fundraiser “angels.” Kiel's working hard to strengthen his body, but the money raised goes so fast. For example, a special therapy pool for Kiel is costing $30,000 and the Eigens also want to buy Kiel a stimulator bike so he won’t have to make the difficult back and forth trips to Allied Services in Scranton for his therapy. The price is $16,000.
“He works out every single day.” Kandi said. “He’s determined to get up and walk again.”
In August, Kiel will undergo an operation on both of his hands, which will entail a three-week stay in Philadelphia. All of the proceeds from ticket sales for the “Decade Alumni Celebration” will go directly to Kiel’s trust fund.The $50 per person ticket price will include food from several stations, one being, of course, a smorgasbord of Old Forge’s famous pizza, appetizers, desserts, an open bar, and live entertainment.
Three area bands have even volunteered to perform: Millenium, Fuzzy Park, and Two for the Road, of which Kiel’s father, Keith, is a member. Keith is also a member of the Old Forge Class of 1973.
“This is a pretty good deal for a night out,” said Angelo Genell, who’s in charge of the food. Now, it’s just a matter of waiting and hoping for 11 classes of alumni to RSVP that they’re coming and for the businesses the committee contacted to send donations.
“You have no idea how I wait for the mail each day,” said DeFrancesco.
Interested alumni and businesses can mail checks, payable to '70s Decade Alumni Fund Raiser, c/o Diane DeFrancesco, 47 Hale St., Yatesville, PA 18640, or c/o Michele D’Angelo, 13 Arnold Ave., Scranton, PA 18505.
This special event promises to be a great time for catching up, having fun, and making a difference for a young man whose life was forever changed at the tender age of 14, playing football for Old Forge High School. |
