By Kate Quesada
An old favorite Riverview restaurant is helping a local family this month. The Silver Ring Cafe, famous for its pressed Cuban sandwiches and friendly service, is hosting a fundraiser on Sunday, December 10 to benefit 13-year-old Riverview resident Noelia Whitlock who is need of a double lung transplant to help her fight her battle with Cystic Fibrosis.
Noelia, who is one of five medically needy children in her family, is currently in St. Louis at the Ronald McDonald apartments waiting for the transplant with her father, while her mother is home with her siblings. She was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at two years old and was adopted by her family three years later. In September she was listed for a double lung transplant with St. Louis Children’s Hospital and is undergoing rounds of IV antibiotics every two weeks.
“She always has a smile on her face, even on the toughest days,” said her mother, Sheri Whitlock who explains that Noelia is finishing up seventh grade through Florida Virtual Schools, an online homeschooling program. “It’s hard to be away from her six siblings. She also has to share mom and dad between two states to make this transplant possible.”
Silver Ring owner Dana Neville is planning to open the restaurant, which is usually closed on Sundays, and will donate all proceeds to Noelia and her family. There will also be baked goods for sale.
“Because I have watched the love and care this family has showered their children with, I feel compelled to do something and I am asking for your support,” said Neville who chose the December 10, date for the fundraiser because there is a Tampa Bay Buccaneers home football game that day and she is hoping to attract customers heading to tailgate.
Supplies for the fundraiser have been donated by Four Star Meats, La Segunda Central Bakery and Captain Ed’s. For more information, search for Noelia’s Warriors Fighting Cystic Fibrosis on Facebook. The Silver Ring Cafe is located at 7419 U.S. Why. 301 in Riverview and can be reached at 677-1487. Noelia also has a Go Fund Me page located at www.gofundme.com/noeliaswarriors.
