Matthew Hasek will get treatment for cerebral palsy in Portland

A benefit lunch is planned to raise money to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van for Albany resident Matthew Hasek, who has cerebral palsy.

The event is scheduled for 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Front Street Bar & Grill, 2300 Front St. N.E. in Albany. Hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad and Pepsi will be served.

Everyone is invited and there is a suggested donation of $10.

You may have seen Hasek around town on his electric wheelchair distributing information as ambassador for the Linn County Democrats or one of the other organizations he works with.

Hasek is in need of the specially equipped van to get him to treatment at OHSU in Portland. He needs to travel there every two weeks for the next six months. The medical procedure and treatment could help reduce his spasms, possibly enabling him to walk one day.

"There is a lot of hope attached to this procedure," said Loyd Henion, who works with Hasek frequently for the Linn County Democrats. "It is going to take a lot of determination on his part. This could be a whole new beginning for him."

Van Vleet Meat Co. is supplying 1-pound hamburgers and big franks, served with Costco hamburger and hot dog buns. Arts Plus provided the design for the flyers and Minute Press printed them.

Hasek wanted to give a special thank you to Mike and Alice Fitzpatrick, Henion and Valley Christian Center Church for their support.

Those who cannot attend but would like to help may do so by mailing a donation to Matthew Hasek, 250 Davidson St. N.E., Albany, OR 97321.