A special Christmas wish

On Sunday, November 6th, 2016, Mayor Brian Jones and members of the Rock Hall Community travelled to Nemours Alfred I DuPont Hospital for Children located in Wilmington, DE to visit Keith Dreisbach III who is a 15 year old Rock Hall teen who has battled Cystic Fibrosis, which is a genetic life-shortening lung disease, since his birth.

Keith was admitted to Nemours Alfred I DuPont Hospital for Children on 9/14/2016 for an acute exacerbation of his lung disease.  Keith initially had been showing some improvement in response to his treatment, however he had a sudden decline in his condition that necessitated a transfer to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where he is now intubated and on a ventilator.  Due to the severity of Keith’s lung disease, it is likely that he will not survive this illness and we expect that he will live for another one to two weeks.

Keith’s parents, his medical team and members of the Rock Hall Community including Santa and Mrs. Santa celebrated Keith’s life and remaining days by having an early Christmas celebration. Keith has always loved Christmas with the holiday lights and festive music.  Keith’s family, Town Staff and friends decorated his room for Christmas and played Christmas music during the visit. 

Mayor Brian Jones coordinated and arranged for a school bus to transport members of the community to the hospital. Eric Vansant who is a local school bus driver for Kent County Public Schools graciously agreed to make the trip. He is also the bus driver for Keith’s younger sister who attends Rock Hall Elementary School. After all expenses were paid for the trip, Eric donated extra funds to the family.

Many organizations and businesses including the Rock Hall Post 228 American Legion Auxillary, Chester River Seafood, Hook Line and Sinker Gift Shop, sent donations that assisted with costs associated with the transportation. Other businesses such as Java Rock donated Christmas decorations while Individuals of the community filled out Christmas cards and sent donations.

Keith’s parents would like to thank his extended family members, friends, and neighbors who made the trip to visit Keith and those who helped spread the Christmas cheer. A special thank you to Santa and Mrs. Santa for taking the trip as well. Anyone wishing to make donations to the family may make checks payable to Keith Driesbach and deliver them the to Town Hall or mail to 5585 South Main Street, Rock Hall, MD 21661. Town staff will make sure the family receives them.