By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
More than 400 people came out to show their support for the fourth annual “A Pig Roast for Alex” charity barbecue Sunday, May 20.
Sponsored by the Manville-Hillsborough Elks, the event raised about $8,000 will benefit a local family.
The afternoon brought food, music and fun, in addition to the roasted pigs. The pig roast and motorcycle poker run has helped families with their medical expenses.
According to Exalted Ruler Andrea Liptak, “Four hundred plus attended, 200 bikes, great music, good food and a fantastic time was had by all,” she said.
Manville Hillsborough Elks Motorcycle Club President Mark Nipps was pleased with the turnout of the event.
”Good crowd for a good cause,” he said.
The event proceeds will benefit Cosette Ruh of Bridgewater. Cosette, a twin, was born on June 25, 1997 and weighed 5 pounds and 11 ounces. Her sister Rachel was 6 pounds. They are daughters of Sharon and stepfather Deeter Pasewaldt.
Cosette is a 14-year-old who loves all animals but especially tortoises. She also loves plants and flowers, especially cacti. Her favorite color is purple and she collects ugly dolls. She is a Harry Potter fanatic and loves to read. The family has two miniature dachshunds, Schatzi and Silver, two hermit crabs and three gerbils. If it were up to Cosette, there would be more pets.
”My children are very special to me and my daughter Cosette is extra special,” Ms. Ruh said. “When Cosette was 18 months old her pediatrician noticed her head was tilted and sent us to a neurologist. He ordered a CT scan and found an astrocytoma brain tumor at the top of her brain stem.”
Two weeks later neurosurgeons operated on Cosette.
”She became quadriplegic and vent dependent,” Ms. Ruh said. “A few weeks later she wiggled her right toe. At first no one believed me. They said it was probably a reflex. I demanded the doctor to come in and on my command she wiggled her toe.”
After eight months of rehabilitation at Children’s Specialized Hospital, Cosette regained some movement and became strong enough to breathe on her own. Two years later Cosette’s hips started to dislocate and she was unable to take steps without her legs scissoring. Her mother had to make the decision whether to allow an operation or accept that she would be in a wheelchair forever. The decision was made to operate to give her a chance.
”The surgery was very painful. They had to actually break her legs and then rotate them and secure them with plates and screws,” according to Ms. Ruh. “She was in the hospital for four months with casts on both entire legs. Her spirit was so strong she never complained once or stopped smiling.”
Cosette had her next surgery when she was in 3rd grade to repair her collapsing brainstem. Thirteen hours of surgery later she emerged from the operating room with new titanium plates and screws in place to stabilize her brainstem.
”She was out of school for one month and never complained or stopped smiling,” her mother said.
Her last surgery was to remove the pesky tumor in her brainstem that grew back. The operation was a success and the doctor removed almost all the tumor however it made her paralysis worse. She is back on the ventilator/tracheotomy and g-tube; her diaphragm is paralyzed; and she has not yet regained her strength.
Despite her many health problems Cosette remains a straight-A student and loves school, loves her family and even though she is happy just listening to stories about the day from her siblings, mother and stepfather.
”Cosette’s spirit is a million times stronger than her fragile body and it is a miracle that she is still alive,” said Ms. Ruh. Her doctors told me she wouldn’t live past 10 and here she is going to school every day proving them wrong. I hope and pray her smile, sense of humor and spirit never fade and that I can give her the most loving and happy life I can for the remainder of her life however long it will be. Every day Cosette is with us is a blessing.”
For information about the Elks or their events call the lodge at 908-725-1717.

