Tinley Pizza Shops Serve Up Pies for Sick Siblings' Fundraiser

When Bella Brya was 2 years old, she collapsed at home because of a brain aneurism.

“In a couple minutes’ time, our lives changed forever,” said Allison, Bella’s mother.

Today, Bella is a 7-year-old student in Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843. She is homebound and currently receives physical therapy, occupational therapy and sleep therapy.

The Frankfort Area Jaycees are hosting Pizza for Bella, a fundraiser to help cover the Brya family’s medical expenses, on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

YOUR TURN: Find Out How You Can Contribute to the Brya Family Fund

Community members are invited to participate in a “people’s choice” pizza contest at Hilda Walker Intermediate School, according to event co-chairwomen Denise Lenz and Jennifer Roney.

Multiple local pizza parlors, including Little Joe’s Restaurant and Pizza, Pizza Mia, Nancy’s Pizza and Arrenello’s Pizza, will donate their pies. Event attendees will receive an all-you-can-eat dinner and cast their votes to determine the best sauce, crust and best overall pizza. Soda, water and hot chocolate will be available for purchase.

The event will also include gift basket raffles, a bake sale, music and face painting.

After her aneurism, Bella was rendered unable to walk and talk. She fell into a coma for several months and has since undergone multiple brain surgeries. Bella also suffers from seizures and dystonia.

Bella’s 4-year-old brother, Liam, faces unusual medical circumstances as well. Liam has a brain tumor and Goldenhar Syndrome, which presents in an underdeveloped ear, a small jaw line and a spine deformity.

The Brya family hopes to use the funds from Tuesday’s event to help cover the costs of a disabled-accessible van for Bella, as well as physical therapy and cochlear implant surgery for Liam.

“It means the world to us,” Allison said of the upcoming fundraiser. “We just can’t thank them enough.”

Pizza for Bella

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26
Where: Hilda Walker Intermediate School
Cost: $10 and $8 for students older than 5.

To contribute to the Brya family donation fund, visit www.forbella.org.

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