Fundraiser set for local family

WALTERVILLE: A sudden illness that hospitalized the wife of a 5th grade teacher at Walterville Elementary has generated a strong community response. Mona Saechao, who has been a charge nurse on surgical/oncology at Riverbend Hospital, had been well as little as a month ago when she ran in her first half-marathon. That quickly changed when she began to experience nausea and memory loss.

Tests soon revealed a rare, dangerous case of acute brain inflammation (limbic encephalitis) which was causing her memory problems. Unfortunately, the situation quickly went from bad to worse when tests showed the underlying cause of the dangerous swelling was Stage 2 cancer.

In response, since April 29th,  446 people have raised  over $50,000 online of the $150,000 needed for medical costs, living expenses, daycare, rehabilitation, assistance and other related costs - present and future. In addition a June 13th breakfast will see Walterville School teachers serving students and their families 9 to 11 a.m. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the students will serve  community members.

The fundraiser will be held at the River Stop Restaurant & Sports Bar’s Banquet Room, 39297 McKenzie Hwy. in Walterville.  The price is  $10 per child or $15 per adult.  The River Stop is giving 100% of the proceeds to the Saechao family.

Image above: Mona Saechao, wife of Sheng Saechao, has been a volunteer for reading groups and PTA events at Walterville Elementary.