Midstate group helps Carlisle teen’s recovery

Aug. 15--CARLISLE -- A Midstate social club has stepped up and donated several thousand dollars to help a Carlisle teenager as he recovers from a debilitating medical condition.

The Minnequa Social Club on Thursday donated $5,000 to a fund set up to help the family of Devlin Wagner, an eighth-grader at Wilson Middle School who has undergone numerous surgeries after suffering a brain aneurysm in February.

"I hope it gives the family some relief," said Ronald Horn, a member of the Minnequa Social Club who deposited the check. "I know what it's like to pay some of those bills. They need all the help they can get."

Horn said he knew Devlin's father, Bobby, because they are both members of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, so he reached out to the Minnequa Social Club for a donation. He said he was awestruck by how much the group gave.

Krista Uplinger, a friend of the family, set up the account at Santander Bank shortly after Devlin was hospitalized. She said the funds would go toward helping the Wagner family purchase a new handicapped-accessible van.

Devlin's father had purchased a van, but he was in an accident that totaled the vehicle shortly after purchasing it. Insurance did not cover the full amount of the van, Uplinger said, but $3,000 that had been collected for the family helped cover the outstanding cost. That, however, left very little to buy a new van to help transport Devlin.

According to Uplinger, Devlin is showing signs of improvement. She said he is beginning to recognize people and can stand with assistance, but is not speaking yet.

Recently, the Wagners found out that Devlin had earned enough credits before being hospitalized to graduate from the eighth grade and can move on to high school.

"Every day is a positive step and step forward," Uplinger said.

Checks can be made out to Krista Uplinger FBO Devlin Wagner, and can be either sent or dropped off at any Santander Bank location. According to Uplinger, any money that the fund accrues beyond the cost of a new van will go toward the family's medical bills.

___

(c)2014 The Sentinel (Carlisle, Pa.)

Visit The Sentinel (Carlisle, Pa.) at www.cumberlink.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services