Gurnee IL.  The Disabled Patriot Fund of Illinois was on the receiving end of a fundraiser sponsored by Octagon Spa & Salon at Gurnee Days this August.   The goal of this very worthy organization is to provide financial relief for local U.S. Military Families that have been adversely affected by the war on terror.  To date, the group has helped more than 50 soldiers throughout Illinois with medical and other expenses as they and their families attempt to rebuild their lives.

One of the wounded soldiers, Sgt. Gabe Garriga, 504th MP Battalion of the US Army, was serving in Iraq when he was involved in a vehicle crash that caused second-and-third-degree burns over 45 percent of his body.  Gabe’s injuries were life-threatening and his doctors gave him a one percent chance of survival.  On the home front, Gabe’s family lost their house due to expenses related to this injury. With the help of grass roots fundraisers such as Octagon’s recent event, the Disabled Patriot Fund was able to grant Gabe a disbursement to help him afford a place of his own to live.

Evie Peterson and Cindy Dempski took part in recognizing our Patriots by presenting a check from Octagon Spa & Salon for four hundred fifty eight dollars to Sgt. Gabe Garriga and Anna Sherony, sponsor of the Disabled Patriot Fund.  It is a privilege to help our military families who have made so many sacrifices for our safety and security.  If you would like to donate please visit www.disabledpatriotfund.com