UPDATE — Friday afternoon, Nov. 14:
Organizers of the benefit supper for Patty Kauffman report that the event is still planned for Saturday, Nov. 15, following Kauffman’s passing on Thursday, Nov. 13.
The story below about West Liberty resident Kauffman’s brave fight against cancer and her close friends from “Team Patty” rallying around her with the benefit appeared in Thursday’s print edition of the Examiner.
Team Patty members said Friday the benefit will raise funds for Kauffman’s remaining medical bills and expenses, and as a way to support her family in a celebration of life. Kauffman’s obituary also will appear in Saturday’s print edition of the Examiner and online at https://examiner.org/patricia-a-kauffman/
Friends band together to assist Kauffman during difficult cancer battle
BY NIKKI BURKHAMER
Examiner Contributor
Patty Kauffman is a person who is always giving of herself to her family, friends and community. Recently, her life has been made more difficult by a cancer diagnosis of two rare forms of the dreaded disease.
Her failing liver has made it too difficult for her body to withstand the chemo needed to bring her back to health. So, a “group of gals that like to get things done” have banded together to help Patty with her mounting medical bills and her financial needs.
Cindee Boyd, Jill McKelvey, Karen Griswold, Elisa Lash, Beverly Yoder, Missy Hughes and Jayne Griffith are “Team Patty” with the motto: “Her Fight Is Our Fight.” They are hosting a benefit for their dear friend Saturday, Nov. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the West Liberty United Church of Christ, 212 W. Newell St., West Liberty.
The benefit features a silent auction, a pie auction, a bake sale, and a meal will be provided for a donation.
The menu includes ham and bean Soup, vegetable soup, potato soup, chili, pulled pork sandwiches, corn bread, dinner rolls, cookies and brownies.
Last weekend, close-knit group met to plan Patty’s special fundraiser. There was a gush of accolades toward their honored guest.
“Patty is very special to all of us. We forced a tight bond while improving our community during her time as a village council woman. When there was an event, she was always there helping,” Boyd noted.
“She doesn’t say, ‘No,’” McKelvey added.
The ladies continued to talk of how Patty would always find something helpful to do. She would fluff wreaths when it was time to decorate West Liberty for Christmas. She would fill goody bags for the Pink Out for breast cancer awareness, and she planned a Dancing With the Stars Event to raise money for the bridge restoration.
Kauffman helped with the opening of the West Liberty Splash Pad, and she has been involved with the village’s Spooktacular. She would buss tables during various meal events, and she was the first to roll in with her electric wheelchair to assist West Liberty residents with their trash at the recycling center.
Her pastor and friend, Griswold, spoke of how Patty has served her church.
“She was the church moderator when I first arrived here. So, she was a tremendous help to me as I settled in as the new pastor.
“Patty is the craft lady for our Community Bible School. She has a heart for children, and the kids love her fun ideas. She has also served as the church’s financial secretary, and she has volunteered in numerous other roles at our church.”
For a person who has spent most of her adult life in a wheelchair, that has never stopped her from helping others.
“She just doesn’t see limitations with her wheelchair,” former West Liberty Mayor McKelvey shared.
Patty has raised three wonderful sons, Levi, Wade and Ryan. The ladies from ‘Team Patty’ talk of how impressive they are as they care for their mother during this time.
It has been difficult for Patty to do the things she once did, but she knows that those who love and care for her want to spend time with her, and she graciously allows them to visit her when she is feeling up to it. There are hopes that she will be able to attend her benefit on Saturday.
This community servant, who has a sharp wit, has given selflessly to others throughout the many years that she has called this area her home.
“She is the least disabled person that I have ever met,” Hughes declared.
“If you want to know how much Patty is loved, donations are coming from all over, even from her grade school friends. She has taken care of so many people for so long, and it’s time that we take care of her,” McKelvey said with conviction.
In addition to the benefit dinner, there is also an account put in Patty Kauffman’s name at The Peoples’ Savings and Loan of West Liberty in which donations can also be given to.
Team Patty thanks everyone who has donated and hopes that many will come to this event to help uplift Patty’s financial burdens.
