Keeping East Bridgewater's Maggie Mendonca Safe

East Bridgewater's Paul Mendonca and his wife Ashley are on a mission. They're hoping to raise enough money to build an addition on their home for their daughter Maggie.

The seven-year-old suffers from two rare seizure disorders where she drops to the floor at least several times a day and her family now has difficulty keeping her safe in her own home.

Mendonca stopped by Townsquare Sunday this week to promote the family's fundraising efforts, and to talk about his daughter.

"She's on five medications daily, but she does have seizures every day," Mendonca said. "Floors in her room are currently padded, but we're trying to get an addition built to put in special flooring throughout the addition, and to put in an elevator to transport her from the driveway up to her room."

The addition has an estimated cost of $100,000 to $150,000. The Mendonca family is applying for grants and other resources, but is raising money on their own as well.

The family is sponsoring the Maggie Mendonca Fundraising Hockey Tournament on Saturday, August 12 in Cranston, Rhode Island. All players are welcome. There is a $50 registration fee with a goal to raise money and support Team Maggie.

You can sign up to play or make donations on the Maggie Strong Facebook page or contact Paul at ptmendonca34@gmail.com.

Other events are planned down the road, including a car show in September. A GoFundMe page is now up and running.

According to Paul Mendonca, doctors say Maggie may eventually outgrow one of her seizures, but epilepsy will be part of her life forever. The Mendonca family is hoping you can help them give their youngest daughter a safer life for the time being.

Townsquare Sunday is a weekly community affairs program heard Sundays at 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. on WBSM.

The program highlights the work of individuals and organizations seeking to make the SouthCoast a better place to live and work.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.

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