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A park party for Megan

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: October 21, 2009

TEMPLE TERRACE - Megan Garrett requires the around-the-clock care of a newborn baby. The main difference is, she just turned 3.

The daughter of Pat and Terri Garrett of Temple Terrace, Megan was diagnosed at 9 months with mitochondrial disease, a little-known progressive and degenerative illness. It affects the cells responsible for creating more than 90 percent of the body's energy level and manifests itself in muscle weakness, seizures, and, among other issues, visual and hearing problems.

Along with the taxing physical requirements needed to care for Megan is the family's burden of costly medical expenses. When she turned 3 on Oct. 17, Megan was no longer eligible for the government services she had been receiving for her life-threatening disorder.

Thankfully, her parents have stable and lasting friends who are planning a fundraiser to help supplement the high costs of supplies, medicines and treatments Megan requires. The Party in the Park will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Woodmont Clubhouse and adjacent park.

"Megan has so many needs, and it's horrific they can't have the medical care she must have," said Garrett family friend Margie Ferrantegennaro, who is helping organize what is also being dubbed a belated birthday celebration for Megan, the subject of a Tampa Tribune story in August.

Event chairwoman Alison Fernandez said it will be a family-friendly affair featuring carnival-like activities for children. Included will be a bounce house, a dunk tank and a variety of games and edible treats. Adults may purchase fresh crawfish, beer and wine and bid on silent auction items.

Fernandez said Girl Scout Troop 758, which hosted a March triathlon to benefit Megan, will be on hand with a bake sale. In addition, the University of South Florida Kappa Delta sorority, as well as group of students from a University of Tampa medical society, plan to volunteer to help out.

The Temple Terrace Rotary Club has also taken on the event as one of its community projects. Checks, made payable to the club and earmarked for Megan Garrett, may be mailed to Pat Garrett, 11308 N. 53rd St., Suite A, Temple Terrace FL 33617.

"Nobody can fix Megan's problem, so it makes me feel better if I can help out in this way," said Fernandez, who is also a close friend of the Garrett family.

Terri Garrett, who noted that Megan's grandmother purchased an outfit with a cupcake motif for her granddaughter to wear to the affair, said the party her friends and acquaintances are planning is a "godsend."

"The benefit will hopefully allow us to continue the services," Terri said. "We want to continue to do whatever we can to give her the quality of life she deserves."

Terri, who recalled being told several times that Megan would not live to age 3, said the youngster is being weaned off the ventilator that has allowed her to breathe. Megan, however, most likely will always require a feeding tube, and her frequent seizures are an ongoing concern.

"Her progress has been slow and steady, but she'll never be perfect," Terri said. "But in this world, no one is perfect."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Party in the Park, a carnival-style benefit for Megan Garrett

WHEN: 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Woodmont Clubhouse and park, 415 Woodmont Ave.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 731-8026.

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