Family in need wins a $500 shopping spree
CONCORD >> Over the next few days, more than 4,000 shoppers will find great deals in children’s clothing, toy’s, maternity, and baby supplies at the biannual “Just Between Friends” (JBF) consignment event that is taking place at the Brandywine Youth Club.
On Wednesday morning, the very first visitor was Aston resident Tara BeVier, who was the winner of a $500 shopping spree, compliments of JBF franchise owners Kate Horowitz and her sister, Kelly Hardy.
“We wanted to give back to the community that has been so helpful and supportive of us,” Horowitz said. “So, we asked for nominations for the shopping spree, and there were so many deserving people that in addition to the $500 award, we added five additional $100 winners.”
BeVier and her husband, Kevin, 35, are parents of five children ranging in age from 8 to 4.
Tragedy struck the family in late December when Kevin took ill with what was originally thought to be a severe case of the flu. An emergency room visit resulted in Kevin being prescribed Tamiflu with instructions to rest. But, the day after Christmas, his illness became worse.
Kevin began slurring his words, his left side stiffened, and he eventually collapsed. During a second emergency room visit, an MRI showed a mass in his brain and he was airlifted to Jefferson Hospital where doctors believed he had developed what is known as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, a severe and rare brain infection. Tara, a multiple sclerosis survivor, is familiar with the disease and its attacks.
“Since Dec. 27, Kevin has undergone three emergency surgeries,” Tara said. “When he was diagnosed with ADEM, the doctors said it was one of the worst cases they have ever seen.”
More than half of ADEM patients have had a previous illness such as an upper respiratory infection for two or three weeks.
ADEM is suspected when a patient suffers motor or sensory symptoms and more intense neurological issues. There are significant MRI and spinal fluid findings as well.
Tara said Kevin was transferred from Jefferson Hospital to Bryn Mawr Rehab, where he is expected to remain until early April.
Kevin has been making remarkable improvement, and just recently was finally able to see his children again. He has been able to speak a few words and seems eager to communicate.
“We are so grateful to Kate and Kelly and all the kind people at JBF for helping our family,” Tara said. “The sale is wonderful and I was able to get many things for my children that will surely take us through the spring and summer. My husband even called in on video to say thank you.”
Tara was assisted in shopping by her good friend Marissa Vuocolo, who also commented on how grateful the BeVier family is to everyone for their help.
In addition to the shopping spree, friends have set up meal trains, fundraisers, and a gofundme page at www.gofundme. com/ kevin-bevier to help the family, among other kind things.
“You know, we are that family who has always helped others any way we can,” Tara said. “Now, that we are receiving help, it is very humbling. We are more grateful than words can express.”
The $100 winners include the Cambrum family of Havertown, whose daughter Scarlett developed acute flaccid myelitis in her right arm, which caused her to be paralyzed; the Radcliffe family of West Chester, whose daughter Charley was diagnosed at 3 months old with a malignant brain tumor; and the Dart family of Coatesville, which has been a very active foster family for more than 10 years and adopted Kylee, 4, who’s been with them since she was 7 weeks old and who has had several open heart surgeries and is awaiting a heart transplant; the DelPrato family of Media, whose parents Paul and Anjali are teachers with two sons (ages 9 and 6) with Jacob, 6, fighting leukemia; and the Mann family of Trainer, whose 4-year-old son has been going through chemotherapy for brain tumors and his mother is unable to work since she must take care of him. The dad is an EMT who works long hours.
The JBF sale is taking place through Sunday. For additional information or to register, interested shoppers can visit www.jbfsale.com.