Bonnie Dunay knows exactly how many shutouts daughter Chelsea has as goalie for the Hobart and William Smith College soccer team (17 and counting). She didn’t miss a single one of her son Mitch’s Cicero-North Syracuse High School football games, even if she had to watch from the car because it was too cold.
Bonnie Dunay is her kids’ number one fan.
Now she needs the community to help cheer her on.
Dunay was diagnosed in March of 2005 with an aggressive brain tumor. Since then she’s had six brain surgeries and battled two life-threatening infections. She’s endured radiation treatments, chemotherapy and antibody therapy. She receives hyperbaric oxygen treatments five days a week to help with healing, as well as occupational therapy. All of it takes its toll physically, as well as financially; she and her husband Joe face mounting medical bills while she struggles with the disease.
In order to help the Dunay family, Bonnie’s friends, who call themselves “Team Bonnie,” will be hosting a benefit from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Bridgeport VFW Post 8440. The VFW is located at 516 State Route 31 in Bridgeport. Adults over 21 are $10, children 5 to 21 are $5 and children under 5 are free. The benefit will feature raffles and a silent auction.
Supporters are looking for raffle items, including gift cards and baskets, as well as monetary and food donations. Committee members will gladly pick up donation items; contact Jenn at [email protected] or 263-1186.
If you can’t make it to the benefit, donations can also be mailed. Checks should be made out to Team Bonnie Dunay and mailed to Karen Barnes, 112 Williams St., North Syracuse, NY 13212.