Community Corner

Helping Chelsea Wheeler: Local Fundraisers in the Works

Here are three ways you can help the Oxford 10-year-old get that life-saving transplant she needs.

Chelsea Wheeler has captured the hearts of countless Americans with her inspirational story. And no place is that more true than right here in Oxford, her hometown.

A number of local fundraisers have been scheduled to help the 10-year-old who needs a life-saving transplant. Here's the rundown, as provided in a press release from Oxford Town Hall:

Comedy Night Supports the Cause

Comedian Dave Reilly, who has appeared on MTV, Fox and in Las Vegas, will appear at the Colonial Tavern, 24 Hawley Road in Oxford, for the event that starts at 8 p.m. on Jan. 18.

Tickets are $25 each. Checks payable to COTA with "in Honor of ChelseaW" in the memo line. For credit card payments, please emailchris.chelseaw@gmail.com. Call Chris Wheeler at 203-954-8807 for more information about tickets. 

Silent Auction & Dinner

A silent auction and dinner will take place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Feb. 22 at the Villa Bianca, 312 Roosevelt Drive, Seymour. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for those under the age of 12.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers Get Involved

On Saturday, March 1, at 7 p.m., there will be a fundraiser for Chelsea at the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The Tigers will be playing the Worcester Sharks. Tickets are $25 each. 

About Chelsea Wheeler  

Chelsea, who was recently featured on CNN News, is a fifth grader at Center School. She is the daughter of Linda and Chris, and sister to Haley, 15, Casey, 14, Nick, 12 and Julia, 6. 

Chelsea needs a life-saving small bowel transplant and an effort has been started to raise $65,000 in 12 months so that she can have the surgery. She has been diagnosed with chronic intestinal pseudo obstruction, and has been unable to eat and relies on intravenous feedings to live. Organizers said that so far more than $45,000 has been raised for Chelsea. 

Chelsea’s mom, Linda, said her daughter has had health-related issues since birth and has undergone more than 30 surgeries. She will eventually undergo surgery at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburg, where she will need to stay in the hospital for one to two months. She will be required to remain in Pittsburg with her mother for an additional six months. Also, post-transplant care will require life-long medications that can cost into the thousands of dollars per month.


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