TRURO - A fundraiser to benefit a North River woman awaiting a double lung transplant was a huge success last weekend.
More than $10,000 was raised for Ruth Kaiser, who has pulmonary fibrosis and has been in Toronto since December, waiting for transplant surgery.
Kim Colburn was an organizer of the fundraiser that was held on Friday night at the Royal Canadian Legion in Truro. The event offered a silent auction, live entertainment and two Bruce Springsteen summer concert tickets. The winner of those tickets was Jane Purchase.
"It went exceptionally well," said Colburn. "More than 200 people attended, even complete strangers. We were hoping for $5,000 so to have $10,000 is amazing and it's good to know there are still good people out there."
Colburn spoke with Kaiser on the weekend to update her about the success of the fundraiser.
"She was in tears, overwhelmed and full of gratitude. I don't think she knows how loved she is," said Colburn.
Kaiser, 65, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis – a chronic, progressive form of lung disease with no known cure or cause – in September 2003. She was put on a transplant list on Dec. 1, 2011, which requires her to remain in Toronto for treatment and until she is approved for new lungs.
mchiasson@trurodaily.com
