Coworkers, business owners and customers at Old Juan’s Cantina in Oceano recently came together to help an employee with medical costs incurred when his daughter became ill.
The coworkers of longtime bartender Kyle Batty decided to contribute to his online fundraising effort to defray the unexpected medical costs incurred when his young daughter became severely ill. The servers pooled all of their tips for the day, the kitchen staff gave cash, and owners Eva and Adam Verdin matched the total with a donation of their own. This effort inspired customers to leave extra generous tips, and one even wrote a check for $500. In all, $5,900 will be given in support of the Battys. Jack’s Helping Hand is assisting the family as well, with gift cards to help cover travel and hotel expenses.
Lorilei Batty is a typical three-year old. She loves wagon rides, animals and playing with her big sister, Daria. But in January of this year, the lives of Lorilei and her parents were put into a tailspin when she got sick and doctors were challenged with the diagnosis. After visits to the local ER, Cottage Hospital and eventually UCLA, Batty was diagnosed with pancreatitis. Typically, this is a disease that affects an older person that has pancreatic issues but none of that applies to the youngest Batty. It was determined that a genetic issue caused the problem, a one in 100,000 chance.
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach that produces enzymes to help break down food in the upper portion of the small intestine. The pancreas also is responsible for producing insulin and glucagon, two hormones that help control levels of blood sugar, the body’s main energy source.
Anyone who would like to support families like the Battys can donate online at www.jackshelpinghand.org or call Karen Borges at Jack’s Helping Hand at (805) 547-1914.