[Read Buffalo News story Hope in the wake of catastrophe...After Flight 3407 widow suffers a stroke, family, friends try to ease her burdens]

Information about the fundraiser…

date: Sunday, August 16, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
venue: Hearthstone manor
address: 333 Dick Road Depew, NY 14043
View map

Karen Kuklewicz recently suffered a severe stroke leaving her partially paralyzed and not able to speak. Tragically just 2 months earlier Karen’s husband Brian Kuklewicz lost his life in the crash of Continental Flight 3407 leaving Karen to raise their twin 9-year-old boys alone. Since suffering her stroke Karen has been transferred to Buffalo General Hospital where she undergoes three separate extensive sessions of therapy each day that will require a prolonged hospital stay. Read More →

[Read Buffalo News story Hope in the wake of catastrophe...After Flight 3407 widow suffers a stroke, family, friends try to ease her burdens]

Information about the fundraiser…

date: Sunday, August 16, 2009 – 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
venue: Hearthstone manor
address: 333 Dick Road  Depew, NY 14043
 View map

Karen Kuklewicz recently suffered a severe stroke leaving her partially paralyzed and not able to speak. Tragically just 2 months earlier Karen’s husband Brian Kuklewicz lost his life in the crash of Continental Flight 3407 leaving Karen to raise their twin 9-year-old boys alone. Since suffering her stroke Karen has been transferred to Buffalo General Hospital where she undergoes three separate extensive sessions of therapy each day that will require a prolonged hospital stay.

Karen is no longer able to work and her medical and daily expenses are mounting including the daily expenses for her boys.

The Friends & Family of Karen Kuklewicz will be holding a benefit on Sunday, Aug 16, 2009 at the Hearthstone Manor, ticket costs are $25.00 for adults and children under 10 are free. To order tickets please contact Chris Michalski: 716-949-7058 or Wendy Craft:716-743-0218

There will be 50/50 split, chinese auctions and special auctions.

Food, wine, beer and soda, coffee and desserts will be served.

Please join us and have a great time for a great cause.

For those that would like to support Karen but are unable to attend the benefit you can send a donation to:

M & T Bank
c/o Friends of Karen Kuklewicz
2882 Delaware Ave.
Kenmore, NY 14217
or to any M & T Bank Branch

http://karenscause.weebly.com/

(click on image for full view)

I graduated with Brian Kuklewicz from Saint John Kanty’s in 1981.  He grew up on Quincy and Schmarbeck Streets.  I received numerous emails and calls over the weekend informing me of the sad news, but I waited to post until the name was officially made public.

From WIVB…

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Brian Kuklewicz was a Cheektowaga native that grew up on the east side of Buffalo. He leaves behind his wife Karen, they were married for 14 years. He was a devoted father of 8-year-old twins who will have their 9th birthday on Wednesday without their father.

The last time I saw Brian was at a reunion a few years ago for our class.  I have always been amazed by our class and how everyone from it has gone on to do a lot of great and wonderful things…Brian included.

It is very hard to come up with words at a time like this, but BFA sends its continued thoughts and prayers out to everyone affected by this tragedy.

This was very hard for me to write…just heartbreaking.