This is 16-year-old Ben Edwards, who suffered a spinal cord injury last summer that left him confined to a wheelchair. Edwards’ family and friends are holding a spaghetti dinner and silent auction fundraiser on Feb. 11. (Photo courtesy of Mary Ganfield)

By DREYMA BERONJA

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — The community is coming together for a Marquette teen after a freak accident on a playground resulted in a spinal cord injury.

Sixteen-year-old Ben Edwards is confined to a wheelchair from injuries he sustained in an accident in August.

“It was a freak accident. It happened and we aren’t trying to find blame with anyone or sue anyone,” Edwards’ aunt, Mary Ganfieldsaid. “We are trying to just move forward and do the best we can.”

Ganfield said the accident occurred on a playground during a family gathering.

Edwards, who is now a quadriplegic, will have to depend on a van with a lift to travel.

Family and friends are hosting a spaghetti dinner from 4 to 7 p.m on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Parish Hall in St. Peter Cathedral.

The event also includes a silent auction. Prizes include gift baskets, jewelry from Jandrons and Green Bay Packers memorabilia, including replica tickets and rings.

The goal is to raise $20,000 for modifications that will make the family van handicap accessible, including a wheelchair lift.

Any additional money will be used to pay for Edwards’ ongoing medical care.

“I have a lot of faith in the people of this community and the surrounding communities,” Ganfield said. “They’re Yoopers helping other Yoopers and it’s just an awesome thing. They stand up when the call comes.”

Edwards is the son of Jake and Anna Edwards and grandson of Tim and Dianne Bennett and Dave and Jean Edwards.

Donations can also be made out to Jake or Anna Edwards and dropped off in the box at the event or at the St. Michael Parish office in advance of the event.

Dreyma Beronja can be reached at 906-228-2500 ext. 248. Their email address is dberonj@miningjournal.net.