Benefit for child We are writing to ask for donations toward a benefit being held on May 6 at the Elks on Tiffany Street in Springfield for Ethan O'Brien - an unforgettable child. Ethan is five years old and has many medical disabilities. He is blind, hearing impaired, has a seizure disorder and is mentally disabled. He also has severe Cerebral Palsy and, as a result, cannot sit, walk or stand on his own. Even so, he is a happy child who loves to laugh and be held. As Ethan gets older and heavier, it is becoming more and more difficult to travel with him. He cannot sit in a typical car seat, but instead must be in a wheelchair. We are working toward purchasing a handicapped accessible van. This van will make it easier for his parents, Maria and Jed, to bring Ethan out to his many medical appointments and bring him on family outings. The van they would have to purchase starts at over $40,000. To help defray these costs, family and friends have decided to hold a benefit in honor of this special child. We would appreciate any amount that you would be willing to donate to help us make this fundraiser a success. Checks can be made out to the Benefit Fund for Ethan O'Brien, and mailed in care of Kevin F. Murphy, 33 Clareside Drive, East Longmeadow, Mass 01028. Thank you in advance for considering this plea and for opening your heart to Ethan. Kevin F. Murphy Member of The Ethan O'Brien Family and Friends Committee