GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – When news spread that Myrlai Waite (Long) had become suddenly ill, members of the community, local churches, friends and family were quick to express their concern and desire to help.

Myrlai, who happens to be my beloved big sister, was transported by ambulance from Orchard Hospital to Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, CA on April 2^nd in extreme pain and distress. After rounds of tests, the diagnosis was confirmed to be Acute Pancreatitis and Gallstones. Mild Pancreatitis can be resolved without invasive treatments, but Acute Pancreatitis can require a series of procedures and can trigger fatal complications. Unfortunately, in Myrlai’s case, those complications did develop, and it soon became clear that she had a long, painful battle ahead.

Her family has been by her side since day one, working in shifts to ensure she gets any help she needs, sometimes sleeping at the hospital and living out of a hotel room. The Waites say that the care at Good Samaritan has been exemplary. Her husband, Art Waite, feels blessed that they have had access to a team of world-class specialists in the field. The situation is day-by-day, and progress has been slow. At this time, she has had a total of 11 procedures and has been hospitalized for 78 grueling days.

The Waites have always been an active part of the Gridley community – many know Art Waite from his time managing Gridley’s Round Table. Art consistently made an effort to support the community, schools and area causes by donating pizzas and as much as he could manage. Those who know Myrlai know that she puts the needs of everyone else first and has a heart of gold. They are the kind of people that make this community a great place to live – friendly, compassionate and giving.

While the family is ever grateful that she found her way to Good Samaritan, they are feeling the burn of being so far from home. Travel and lodging costs are taking a heavy toll on the family, not to mention the future medical bills they will inevitably receive. Ever humble, they have been hesitant to ask for any help.

Fortunately, help is coming to them. In order to raise funds, a group composed of about 20 community members, church members, friends and family have rallied to put on a fundraiser to help the family manage medical costs. On July 13^th a Spaghetti Dinner, Bake Sale and Silent Auction will be held at the Guardian Building on E. Spruce St. in Gridley.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children 9-12 and free for 9 and under. Tickets are available at The Wishing Corner, The Makeup Room, Cindy’s Country and More, the Chamber of Commerce and Wheeler Ranch and Feed.

If you would like to make a monetary donation, please do so to the Waite Medical Fund set up at Bank of the West in Gridley or on their Go-Fund-Me. If you are unable to make monetary donations, prayers are also greatly appreciated! Please come show your support and help this family on their healing journey!