Hockey Fundraiser to Help Mom With Mysterious Seizure Disorder

Editor's Note: Originally posted at midnight on March 30, updated with additional photo.
In December, Gloria VanBuskirk came down with a cold that developed into a sinus infection. 

Suffering from stomach pains, she went to the ER a few days later, and they found a small ulcer on Friday the 13th. That night she suffered seizure. She was transferred to Beth Israel-Deaconess Hospital and was diagnosed with a mysterious infection that causes her to have seizures. 

She spent two months in the Boston hospital, part of it in a medical-induced coma, said Framingham teacher and Ashland resident Judy Friedland Leavey, who is part of a fundraising committee to help Gloria and her husband Jason with all of their medical expenses.

"Gloria is currently in a rehabilitation hospital trying to get home to her husband and their two children," said Leavey. "It has been a very slow process."

On Sunday, March 30 there is a fundraiser to benefit Gloria and her family at Loring Arena. Framingham High alumni will take on Natick High alumni at the hockey rink at 4 p.m. Admission is $4 adults and $2 children. There will be a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction and a chuck a puck to raise funds for the family too, said Leavey.

Earlier this month a Zumbathon was held to help raise money for the VanBuskirk family. Gloria was a Zumba instructor before becoming ill.
"As you can imagine, there have been many bills accruing for medical care co-pays, deductibles and other related expenses," said Leavey who works at Barbieri Elementary School. 

Jason has beautifully chronicled Gloria's progress in a blog, said Leavey. It can be read at: http://bidmcgvb.wordpress.com

The VanBuskirks have lived in Framingham for a very long time, and have been very active in the Framingham Youth Hockey Organization and Framingham High Hockey, said Leavey.