Philadelphia Gift Basket

Talk of the Times with Marybeth Barrett: Miracle for Ava Event

Staff writer Beth Burke talks with Marybeth Barrett about the upcoming Miracle for Ava benefit.

Name: Marybeth Barrett

Residence: Clarks Summit

Family: husband, Mike Grohs; sons, Colton and Brayden; and daughter, Emm-ersen.

Educational and/or professional background: Degree in chemistry and business from the University of Scranton; employed by Road Scholar Transport

Title: Chairperson

Q: Is this the first time for this benefit?

A: Yes. Although, Road Scholar Transport has been involved in showcasing many charities. We are in the process of creating an awareness trailer for Ava as well as for the cancer she is battling, called A Miracle for Ava. Her trailer will be unveiled at this event.

Q: Could you talk about Ava's condition?

A: Ava Gioe is 4 years old. On Nov. 7, 2010, she suffered a seizure and a major stroke. After being life-flighted to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, her parents were informed that she had an inoperable brain tumor. Ava astounded her doctors when she came out of the coma that was caused by her stroke. Ava is truly a fighter and a walking miracle. Unfortunately, she still has a long fight ahead of her and needs our help.

Q: What else will be featured at this benefit for those who attend?

A: The $20 admission includes draft beer, soda and appetizers. We also have a huge raffle for baskets and other donations, some of which include a toy watch donated by Boccardo's, a New York Giants-autographed football donated by the 2010 team, an iPod Nano, a Dooney & Bourke bag and numerous gift cards from area stores, restaurants and attractions. We will have several themed gift baskets. Some members of the band Exact Change will also be performing.

Q: How exactly will the proceeds be used?

A: Our committee is trying to raise money to help with travel and medical expenses for Ava and her parents.

Q: How many people do you expect will attend?

A: We would love to see as many as possible, hopefully hundreds. We are accepting donations from those who cannot make the event, payable to Friends of Ava Gioe. These donations can be mailed to: Miracle for Ava Benefit, c/o Marybeth Barrett, 403 Northern Spy Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411.

Q: What makes this benefit unique?

A: This benefit started out with a couple friends wanting to help their friend's daughter, and now it has become a community effort to help a local child in her fight against brain cancer. We may not be able to lessen the family's emotional hardship, but we can help financially.

Liberty Ball » Blog Archive » Winning streak halted at 9, Polanco ...

The Philadelphia Phillies continue to play incredible ball(74-40 as of August 7th) despite injuries throughout both the lineup and pitching staff. Even after losing Sunday July 7th to the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants, the team has won 9 out of 10 games and leads the NL East by 8.5 games. The constant? Without question, the Phillies pitching staff. The team ranks 1st(Among 30 ML teams) in ERA, quality starts and WHIP. They really drop off hard to 4th overall in batting average against… LOL. This group features 3 named aces- LHs Cliff Lee(11-7,2.96 ERA in 23 starts) and Cole Hamels(13-6,2.53,24 starts) as well as RH Roy Halladay(14-4,2.55, 23) – however, 1st year starter RH  Vance Worley(8-1,2.35 in 13 starts) might be having the best season.  The depth of arms continues into the bullpen where they are down to closer #4: 2nd yr LH Antonio Bastardo(5-0,1.49, 8 saves and 9 holds). Think about that. Closer number 4 and he is lights out!!!!! Quickly, ask any, ANY fan of a big market team who their 4th best reliever is. Would they fell remotely confident with that guy pitching the 9th inning? Tremendous job by pitching coach Rich Dubee and manager Charlie Manuel.