By Jacqueline Schiller
(Publisher’s note: Jacqueline Schiller is senior vice president and human resource officer at Chelsea State Bank.)
Chelsea State Bank has a Bank Relations and Recognition Committee that is responsible for planning our customer and employee events throughout the year. This month, the committee decided to have a fundraiser for one of our former colleagues Colleen Weddon.
Colleen began her career at Chelsea State Bank in April 2002. For all of those who worked with Colleen, or were served by her as one of our customers – you would never have known she was suffering. She always had a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She truly loved her job – especially her customers. She is what community banking is all about – serving.
Colleen has endured an epidermoid brain tumor for the past 21 years. She has had multiple surgeries to reduce her brain tumor and increase her functionality. Recently, it reached the point where she was unable to work and is dependent on people for any mobility-required tasks. It is an added hardship now for Colleen living in a multi-level home without wheelchair accessibility.
Therefore, family and friends set up a GoFundMe.com fundraiser page for those that love her and want to help. It has a twofold purpose. One, to help cover the costs of unpaid medical bills. And two, to help improve Colleen’s quality of life, by restoring some independence and renewing her dignity. In practical terms, an accessible bathroom for her on the main floor, handicap accessibility throughout the home, and a wheelchair ramp.
We at Chelsea State Bank hosted a Blue Jeans for Colleen fundraiser of our own on Friday, April 22 and raised $1,065.
