Kelsey’s Steak House Helps Raise Money for a Good Cause

brett-laczynskiThis past August, two fundraisers were held to help one special boy. Bret Laczynski, a Chesterton native, was a healthy and active student who loved and helped everyone he met. In 2002, he began to experience strange symptoms that doctors couldn't explain. After an emergency surgery to relieve swelling on his brain, it was discovered that Bret had Stage 4 Medulloblastoma brain cancer. Despite complications, Bret defied the odds and attended school and lead a happy and fulfilling life for many years. In 2012, Brett passed away peacefully but left a huge impact on all who new him.

Since then, Bret's family has been proactive in raising money for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research. A golf outing on was held on August 14 at The Course At Aberdeen and a benefit dinner was on August 15 at Avalon Manor. This year, both events raised a total of just over $72,000 and all together the amount raised in the past three years totals around $229,000.00. All proceeds went to The Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and the SELF School of Porter County.

Bret-L-Fundraisers 2Kelsey's Steak House played a large part in both events. Bret is the nephew of Stacey Forney, General Manager of Kelsey's Portage location. The restaurant sponsored and actively took part in both events.

"I have great memories of Bret," Forney said. "His family has made something tragic into something positive. I am proud to be part of it."

Bret's mom, Lisa Hood, speaks so fondly of her son. 

Bret-L-Fundraisers 7"Bret continues to inspire so many people, even ones that never had the pleasure of meeting him. I can't even begin to describe how much I miss him. I am learning how to feel his spirit around me and am acknowledging the beautiful signs he gives me," Lisa said.

Click here to read Bret's story!

For more information on the Bret Laczynski Cancer Research Fund, visit the website or check it out on Facebook!

Click here to see more photos!

Photos courtesy of Kelsey's Steakhouse and the Bret Laczynski Brain Cancer Research Fund.