By JACQUELINE DURETT
Correspondent
SOUTH AMBOY — A fundraiser this weekend will go toward the medical expenses of a city girl who is still trying to recover from an incident a month ago.
Emily Rand, 19, was in an altercation on a New Brunswick street near the Rutgers University campus on Oct. 30. According to Rand’s aunt, Debbie O’Connor, as well as a video of part of the event, Rand got into an argument with some men on the street after they called her and her friend some names; Rand swung at one of the men, who then punched her. Rand fell backward and suffered a fractured skull; she was unconscious and on a ventilator for days after the event.
Police eventually located the suspect, but declined to file charges in regards to the event.
Although Rand is now conscious, her condition is still very serious. She has had three surgeries for multiple brain hemorrhages.
“She is still the same,” O’Connor said. Rand lives with O’Connor and her husband, Bob. “[She is] still spiking fevers, and she remembers some things, and other things she is all mixed up about.” Doctors have said she will have a long recovery.
O’Connor said other family members decided to have a fundraiser for Rand’s medical costs, and friends and even strangers decided to lend a hand. Together they put together the Dec. 3 event, which will run 7 p.m. to midnight at Sacred Heart Memorial Hall on Washington Avenue.
City resident Dawn Matthews is one of those helping to organize the fundraiser. She said she grew up with members of Rand’s extended family and has volunteered at various events with the O’Connors. She said both bands performing, Split Decision and Steel Groove, are donating their services, adding that Steel Groove reached out to her after seeing a story about Rand and the fundraiser on the news. Split Decision, she said, often plays at events in the city.
Matthews also said local restaurants are donating food and raffle items, and 50/50 tickets are being sold ahead of the event, with the drawing happening that night.
O’Connor describes her niece, who is a college student and restaurant employee, as a well-liked and “very fun-loving, outgoing person.” She added, “She has had much support from her friends and family in the community.”
O’Connor said she is optimistic that the fundraiser will assist in Rand’s expenses.
“I am all for it,” she said. “I hope it helps.”
A GoFundMe page for Rand has raised $6,075 of the $10,000 goal; contributors continue to wish her well and champion her recovery.
Matthews said organizers are still looking for raffle item donations. To donate an item or to purchase tickets, which are $20 ($10 for ages 12-21 and free for those younger than 12), call 908-296-4254 or 732-343-1896.