Roscoe family raises money for hospital’s free care fund

The Scrip family brought in more than $25,000 for the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Free Care Fund.

By STACY WOLFORD
Managing Editor
swolford@yourmvi.com
A Roscoe family decided to pay it forward to help a cause that is near and dear to their heart.

The Scrip family, Lindsay, Bill, Zander and Sadie, recently hosted a “Birthday Burger Bash” at the Roscoe Slovak Club to raise money for the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Free Care Fund in honor of Zander’s 11th birthday.

A fourth-grader at California Area Elementary School, Zander has spent the last 10 years at UPMC Children’s Hospital for doctor’s appointments, testing and several surgeries. Zander was diagnosed with craniosynostosis, a condition that causes one or more of the joints between the bones of a baby’s skull to close too early, before the brain is fully formed. Zander was also diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, a condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. It occurs when part of the skull is misshapen or smaller than is typical.

“Both diagnoses (have led) to major surgeries in his life. He also has had a palette surgery and heart surgery throughout his years. Zander has always come out on top and has been such a strong boy throughout the process,” his mother said.

Lindsay Scrip said they got the idea to hold the fundraiser in February when the family attended a spaghetti fundraiser for the California Area High School baseball team.

“Zander doesn’t eat spaghetti and asked if there were cheeseburgers. We said this is a spaghetti fundraiser, so no bud,” she said with a laugh. “He said, ‘Why don’t we have a cheeseburger fundraiser?’ My husband, Bill, and I looked at each other confused and asked Zander what he would donate the money to and he said, ‘To kids with special needs like me,’ so we absolutely said yes and decided on UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Free Care Fund.”

The Scrips chose the Roscoe Slovak club as the event space as they are members there and have always received support from the club’s members. They also volunteer for the annual Christmas for Kids fundraiser at the club, which helps supply local children and families in need with gifts for the holiday.

The Scrips sought donations and sponsors from community members and businesses for the burger bash fundraiser. The event, which also featured a basket auction, raffles, music, and of course, cheeseburgers, was an overwhelming success.

“We had so much support from the community, businesses, our school district, friends, family and community members,” Scrip said. “We’ve raised $25,447, and we’re still receiving a few more donations. We’ll be meeting with children’s hospital later this year to present a check.”

Anyone who would like to donate to the Free Care Fund in Zander’s name can send donations directly to: UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation; attention, Clay Rehm, Community Fundraising, 4401 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224. Donors are asked to put Zander’s name in the check memo line.