Ocracoke Community Raises Over $8000 for Local Family

The Ocracoke community is coming together to benefit Saul and Jivan and their kids. The family lives in Kill Devil Hills, but has close ties to Ocracoke (they met on the island), and family and friends here including Jivan's brother, Micah Bassell, and her mom, Mary Bassell (an artist whose work is available at Ocracoke shops).

Saul was diagnosed in May with a recurrence of a rare cancer, alveolar soft tissue sarcoma, which has metastasized into his lungs. Alveolar soft tissue sarcoma is so rare (less than 1% of cancers), there's not much research or treatment available. Because of his illness and the side effects of his experimental therapy, Saul is not currently able to work. Jivan is an ER nurse at the Outer Banks Hospital. They have three adorable kids: Emma, 7, who is going into 2nd grade, Adrian, 3, and Nicolas, 8 months. The Ocracoke community raised money to send the family on a dream trip to Disney World.

Farris O'Neal of Native Seafood was the brains behind the fundraiser, with organizing help from Rob King. They'd like to thank 'SmacNally's, Ocracoke Oyster Company, Ocracoke Coffee Shop, Jason's Restaurant, Ocracoke Bar and Grille, Gaffer's, Jolly Roger, Dajio Restaurant, Magic Bean Coffee Bazaar, Zillie's, Eduardo's Taco Stand, Bella Fiore, Nathan Spencer of Coastal Gas, the Fire Hall, and all the people who baked desserts. The fryers and servers were these wonderful volunteers: Bob, Kelton, Brandon, Ryan, Dan, Chuck, Chrissy, Daisy, Charlie, and Joey.

The second fundraiser was a raucously fun Trivia Night at Ocracoke Oyster Company. Jessica Caldwell and Chrisi Gaskill hosted the contest of wits, and Oyster Company owners George and Janille Turner donated the food sales of all the pub quiz participants. (The Ocracoke Current came in 3rd, but there were only two of us. The winning team had five people. Just sayin'.)

By far the most popular team at Trivia Night was a foursome of Cancer-Kickin' Divas: Anne Miller, Karen Lovejoy, Marcy Brenner, and Doreen Robinson. A generous soul bought their dinner, so they donated what they would've spent to the Gonzalez family.

Leslie Lanier at Books to Be Red is donating all sales of Mary Bassell's notecards, and she still has some available, so stop by!

Jivan writes: "We would like to take the opportunity to thank the individuals who thought of our family and organized the amazing fish fry benefit. We would also like to thank all the people who donated items and their time to the events and all of the community residents and visitors who attended! There is no way to express our gratitude and it is so hard to put into words the many ways you have touched our life's. Please know that you are all in our hearts! We are truly lucky to have such amazing people in our life!!! Thank you!!! We love you all! The Gonzalez Family."

And from her mom: "Sometimes the smallest act of kindness, a smile, nod or raised finger can leave one with the knowing of having been seen or cared for. Last month the community of Ocracoke Island came forward and helped my daughter Jivan and her husband Saul know the love and support of this island. Thanks to the helping thoughts of Rob King and the energy of Farris ONeal, along with a crew of many other hands, they created a fish fry benefit. The island showed up to help celebrate Jivan and Saul through their difficult journey with cancer. So many people and businesses have been generous...words do fail me in how to give thanks.... From the bottom of my heart... Thank you All, Mary Bassell"