WEST POTTSGROVE >> Engines revved for a good cause Tuesday night.
About 100 vehicles ranging from classic cars to American muscle to the latest imports pulled up to the lot in front of the Carmike Cinemas 12 for the Wicked Effects Car Club 2016 Cruise Night. The event is held the last Tuesday of the month through October. The event raised over $1,000 to help 3-year-old Sophia Sandoval, of Mount Penn, Berks County, who’s battling a laundry list of health problems stemming from the fact that she was born premature at 33 weeks.
“We always try to do something for children with medical needs,” said Andrew Bealer, owner and president of Wicked Effects Car Club. “Tonight was one of the best turnouts we ever had.”
“She wasn’t supposed to come home from the (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit),” said Sophia’s mom, Michele Sandoval, who was holding her daughter next to her husband, Luis and their 4-year-old son, Ethan.
Sophia was diagnosed with swallow dysphagia, sleep apnea, chronic asthmas, congenital heart disease and lung disease. She sees a neonatologist, cardiologist, occupational therapist and speech therapist. She also sees a specialist for her lazy eyes. Sophia is prone to getting pneumonia, so the family is constantly in and out of the hospital, Michele said.
She and Luis face additional challenges because Ethan was diagnosed with autism.
“So we have two special babies that are extremely awesome,” she said.
The couple thanked everyone who attended the event for their support.
“This event is just awesome,” Michele said.
To support the GoFundMe page set up to help Sophia, visit https://www.gofundme.com/25pnmj99.
