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Valley rallies around infant’s illness

Story and photos by Sarah Dixon

The Vail Valley is rallying around one of its own – a young fighter whose plight has touched the hearts of all who’ve heard it. Haley Molloy, who has survived two open-heart surgeries in the first 2 1/2 months of her life, is now in need of a heart transplant. Though she has astonished doctors with her progress, she is still facing further treatment – and her family is facing the resulting medical bills.In an effort to alleviate some of the financial pressures on the Molloy family, friends teamed up with the Vail Valley Charitable Fund to host the Hearts for Haley fund-raiser July 8 at the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort and Spa. Featuring a wine tasting, silent auction and plenty of donated food, the event was a smash hit according to all involved. And most impressed, by far, was the Molloy family.”I’m overwhelmed,” said Haley’s visibly shaken mother, Trish Molloy. “I’m so elated by all of this.”Trish expressed her gratitude to the extended family she has gained in her 12 years in the Valley.”That’s the incredible nature of this community – it’s an amazing, wonderful place to live,” she said. “Many of us have no family here, so our friends become our families. I cannot believe how many people are here tonight, from years and years ago, and so many people I don’t know. “When our friends spoke to us about a fund-raiser, we certainly did not expect this,” she said. “We are truly blessed to live in this great valley with our family of friends.” Trish said Haley’s current battle is to gain weight, which will have a direct impact on her strength and health. “Her weight gain will be crucial to her heart function and to her ongoing battle,” she said.And it’s clear that the community will stand shoulder to shoulder with Haley and her family as she fights her way to health.”My 5-year-old son was running around while I read about Haley in the newspaper,” said Ann Marie Cornaglia, who did not know the Molloy family. “I just thought about it, that I don’t know that many people here, and if something ever happened to Jordan.”Jenn Bruno, a close friend of the Molly’s and principal organizer of the event, was also impressed by the turnout. “It’s been fantastic working with the Charitable Fund,” Bruno said. “It’s a great evening, and who can say no to a little girl?”No one can, as far as the silent auction tables indicated. From a cooking class with the Marriott’s own Chef Dean Waziry, to countless hotel vouchers and a Sonicare toothbrush provided by a local dentist, the outpouring of donations was overwhelming. “This community remains very unique in so many ways,” said Vail Valley Charitable Fund board member Kara Heide. “The well never runs dry.”

Donations can be sent to the Vail Valley Charitable Fund, Molloy Family, P.O. Box 3861, Eagle Colorado, 81631. Visit http://www.vvcf.com for more information.


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