Summit Raises $1,000 For Brooke Healey Fund

Summit made a splash for a worthy cause during the city’s National Night Out event by raising $1,000 for Brooke Healey, a 4-year-old New Providence resident who is fighting a rare, aggressive brain tumor.

Coordinated by Summit Police Chief Robert Weck, Police Officers Charles Daly and Ryan Stanek, and Summit Fire Chief Joseph Houck volunteered to be dunked in the “dunk tank” during this annual celebration on Aug. 6. 

Each participant paid $5 to take three shots at dunking one of the three volunteers. The $1,000 check, which included funds raised from the dunk tank as well as contributions from the Summit PBA Local 55 ($250), and the Summit FMBA ($100), was given directly to Brooke’s father, Stephen Healey.

“We are happy to play a small part in this family’s tragic struggle to find alternative treatments for Brooke, for whom only the short term beneficial effects of radiation are available,” Weck said. “Anyone wishing to donate or to learn more about this rare illness should visit their website at www.brookehealey.com.”

When planning the National Night Out celebration, Weck said he wanted to find a way to help the Healey family. 

“We think it’s a way to give back,” Weck told Patch in early August. “Everyone [in the department] jumped right on the idea and thought it would be great."

Brooke was diagnosed in January with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a very aggressive tumor in the middle of her brain stem. 

Since then, Brooke’s family has been looking into alternative treatments, which can be very expensive.

Brooke’s battle with DIPG has prompted numerous community members to organize fundraisers to aid her family in their time of need. Community events have included the Bikers for Brooke fundraiser, a Candlelight Vigil for Brooke, and a ‘Dine for Brooke’ fundraiser at Beacon Hill Tavern & Restaurant in Summit.

The next fundraiser is another “Dine for Brooke” event at Marco Polo in Summit on Monday, August 19 from 11 a.m. to 12 midnight. Please check back for more information.