Fundraiser Nov. 2 for IBEW 1 member’s daughter critically injured in car accident

By SHERI GASSAWAY
Correspondent

A fundraising event for IBEW Local 1 member Kevin Gralike’s daughter, who was critically injured in a car accident, will be held Saturday, Nov. 2 at Memoreze at JR’s in South County to help the family with expenses.

Chloe Gralike, 19, was driving on U.S. Route 54 in Cole County on Sept. 13 when her car traveled off the road and hit an embankment, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Her car overturned multiple times, and she was ejected from the vehicle.

A freshman at Missouri State University, Chloe Gralike was airlifted to University Hospital in Columbia, Mo., and underwent emergency surgery for internal bleeding. She suffered eight broken ribs, a broken foot, two collapsed lungs, damage to her pancreas and multiple skin abrasions.

Her parents, Kevin Gralike and Angela Key, kept family and friends updated via a Facebook page (facebook.com/ChloesArmy) while she was in the hospital and said they were amazed to see her fight so hard when others would have given up. They said her strength and courage were inspiring.

“This precious girl has taught me to never give up,” Key wrote. “To see her beautiful smile brings tears to my eyes, because I know things could have turned out so different. I thank the angels that were with her when I couldn’t be, and I thank them for being there to hold her hand when I couldn’t.”

Kevin Gralike wrote, “She has made me so proud with the way she has refused to give up. She is so strong. One happy dad right here.”

After being on a ventilator for more than a week followed by a bout with pneumonia and a blood infection, Chloe was finally released from the hospital on Oct. 3 and continues to recover at home with intense physical therapy.

NOV. 2 FUNDRAISER
The fundraising event, co-sponsored by family and friends and United Bikers for Unjust Causes and Tragedies, will be held Nov. 2 at Memoreze at JR’s, at 5523 Old Lemay Ferry Road in South County. It begins at noon and will include a visit from Louie, the St. Louis Blues mascot.

The fundraiser will also feature shuffleboard and corn hole tournaments, college football and sporting event squares, a 50/50 raffle, a booze barrel raffle, a silent auction, door prizes, drink specials and t-shirt sales. Food will also be available.

If you are unable to attend the event, but would like to make a donation, call Cheri Beck at 314-609-8184, Annette Crader at 573-631-9308 or Sue Barbagallo at 314-201-1052.