Friends Host T-Shirt Sale for Schalm Student's Medical Costs
A local fundraiser will help Alexis Sarvello's family cover the costs of her brain tumor surgery and recovery.
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Alexis Sarvello should be preparing for her fifth-grade graduation at Schalm Elementary School in Clawson.
Instead, the 10-year-old is at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak recovering from several surgeries after being diagnosed with a large brain tumor on May 2.
It was an unexpected obstacle for her family, and now her parents, Lisa and Scott Sarvello, are left with piling medical bills for Alexis.
Family friend Tracy Zeiter is hoping to ease that burden, selling "Team Alexis" T-shirts in support of the family.
Scott and Lisa Sarvello "are givers to the community," Zeiter said. "And now they need help, so I think that as a community we need to pull together and help them."
The T-shirts cost $10 each and all proceeds will go to the Sarvello family to help with medical costs and ongoing recovery. Zeiter and other family friends will host Team Alexis Day on June 8, where they invite the community to wear the T-shirts and show unified support for Alexis.
Zeiter said she will be at Moose Winooski's selling T-shirts on this day and plans to take photos of supporters wearing the shirts. Several local businesses have planned to participate in Team Alexis Day, including Clawson Grill, Trim, Tease, Clawson Community Credit Union, The Hideout and Clawson Schools.
"It’s truly amazing, the people that have stepped forward," Zeiter said.
Alexis deserves the support, she said.
"She's that kid you want your kids to hang out with so a little bit of her rubs off on them," Zeiter said. "Just an exceptional child, she’s warm, she’s friendly."
How to help
The T-shirts are available at Triple Thread in Clawson. If you are interested in purchasing a T-shirt, email triplethread@hotmail.com or call 248-321-7757 and ask for Justin Weeks. For more information about the fundraiser, contact Zeiter at tzeiter@att.net.
In This article
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Schalm Elementary School
940 N Selfridge Blvd, Clawson, MI -
Moose Winooski's
38 S Main St, Clawson, MI -
Clawson Grill
41 S Main St, Clawson, MI -
Trim Barber House
26 N Main St, Clawson, MI -
Tease
38 N Main St, Clawson, MI -
Clawson Community Credit Union
625 N Main St, Clawson, MI
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The Hideout
1110 W 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI -
Clawson Public Schools Administrative Offices
626 Phillips Ave, Clawson, MI
edwardzlove
7:11 am on Thursday, May 31, 2012
By visiting "Penny Health" you can start lowering your medical insurance premium and help you get better coverage.
Anne Pancost
11:50 am on Thursday, May 31, 2012
I'm very sad to see that the date of June 8th was selected. Kenwood students that bought a shirt won't be able to wear theirs that day because they have field day and will be wearing school t-shirts.....
Shannon Gougeon
12:38 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
I'm also a Kenwood parent that is disappointed that my children won't be able to show their support due to our school scheduled field day.
TJ
2:30 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
Anne and Shannon your problems are really "hard" compared to those of the Sarvello Family! Seriously! It's one day - perhaps your child can wear a hat of the school's colors and support Alexis.
esther skiba
4:27 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
Ms. Zeiter,
Could you please email me at qfad.heroes@gmail.com with an address of where a donation can be sent?
Esther Skiba, Director, The For a Day Foundation
Michael Rusing
10:56 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
I think the key here is support your fellow residents... Being concerned with not being able to wear the shirt on a certain day isn't important. Let's look at the big picture here. Supporting the Sarvello family in their time of need, just as you would like people to support you in your time of need. We can only hope to never have to be in their shoes...
Kellie Bauss
4:43 am on Friday, June 1, 2012
You are "sad" and "disappointed" because your child may not be able to wear the shirt on a certain day?! Did you stop for one minute and think how the Sarvello family feels right now? You should be ashamed of yourselves for complaining about such a ridiculous thing during this time. I'm sure your child is able to wear shorts and other accessories that represent school colors while still wearing the Team Alexis shirt! Take this opportunity to teach your child a valuable lesson in supporting others as well as in improvising.
Shannon Gougeon
6:13 am on Friday, June 1, 2012
Well Kenwood HAS decided to show our support in a different way. Instead of wearing our support we will walk it... Kenwood families have decided to show their support by ”Walking for Alexis (Lulu) Sarvello". On June 8th from 8:30‐9:15am the students and staff will walk two laps around the perimeter of the school yard prior to our field day.
All the proceeds from our walk‐a‐thon will go directly to the Sarvello family to
aid in the medical costs, therapy and in home needs for Alexis.
Shannon Gougeon
6:39 am on Friday, June 1, 2012
Although Alexis may not attend Kenwood, this family touches our lives everyday. This is why some of our families were sad or disappointed. Her dad is a Clawson Police Officer, her mom works the Trojans Store during the entire basketball season and the family owns Scooter’s Dairy-O on Main St.
This family gives to Clawson regularly, now it’s our turn to give back to them. Please join us on June 8, 2012 at 8:30a.m.
tracy zeiter
10:32 am on Friday, June 1, 2012
Shannon please see the comment I posted. I am sorry for the miscommunication and/or lack of. My comment will explain my plans and please know that there was never any intention of leaving anyone out. The day was set for the local business and the schools were to pick their day and let me know..I was planning on getting your date when I delivered your shirts. I don't even know Schalms date yet. The comment should explain further..
Please feel free to contact me anytime; Tracy Zeiter 248-506-0227
Kellie Bauss
6:59 am on Friday, June 1, 2012
That is a wonderful idea!
tracy zeiter
10:26 am on Friday, June 1, 2012
To the Kenwood parents. Please know that the June 8th day was chosen as a day for the T shirt sale and mainly for the bulk of the local bussinesses. I spoke with Patti at schalm, and I apologize I did not reach out to you, totally my fault; the plan was for the schools to pick their own day. It was too difficult to plan around field trips, field days, etc. Alexis' own class is going to be away at Michigan Adventure that day. The city workers have choosen that Thurs to wear theirs as most offices are closed that Friday...my own place of business is wearing them Thurs as well. My plan was upon delivery of your shirts to get the date that you had set for your school. I love the idea of the walk and you will definitely see me there! We will plan to be there with to capture pictures to share with the family...
I know that there are a lot of people out there emotionally charged as it is very difficult knowing that there is a very innocent little girl suffering, no matter your relationship. I am overwhelmed with the response I have been getting and feel very proud to surrounded by so many great people; some I have known for years and others I haven't even met. We are all truely very lucky to be part of such a community. Please feel free to call me ANY time with any questions, concerns, ideas, anything.....
Thank you
Tracy Zeiter 248-506-0227
Shannon Gougeon
10:49 am on Friday, June 1, 2012
Tracy, no worries. Kenwood just didn't want to miss it. So we improvised :-) I will be in contact with you regarding getting the walk-a-thon money that we raise, so you can give it to the Sarvello family on our behalf. Thanks.
L T
1:52 pm on Saturday, June 2, 2012
Hi Tracy,
I think it is wonderful what you have organized. There is nothing in this world I wouldn't do for Scott and his family. I understand that my bro Butch and Kelly have contacted you and ordered their T-shirts through you. Is it possible to do the same. I will be at work on that day and fortunately Friday is casual day so I would like to be wearing it. I would place and order for 2 shirts for myself and Brianna. I could see that you have the money anytime. Hope to hear back from you.
Linda and Brianna Taylor
Maggie Marvin
11:02 am on Friday, June 1, 2012
It is so wonderful to see how many people in our community care so deeply and want to help the Sarvello's. It is extremely difficult to go through something like this especially when it is happening to a child. Having been through an experience with our son Jimmy several years ago we know the toll it takes on all involved. The community has always been there for our family and we sincerely appreciate the kindness and support. We are keeping Alexis and her family in our thoughts and prayers and will help in any way we can. Take care and God bless.