Plate fundraiser, plus car show set for this Saturday

(Seguin) — Just weeks after receiving a life-saving liver transplant, Seguin’s Sterling Carpenter is finally on the long road to recovery.

Now, while the teen remains hospitalized, her family especially those members of her late stepfather’s family Gilbert Montoya, are jumping into action to help ease the financial strain by hosting a fundraiser this Saturday at the American Legion Post 245.

The event will feature smoked chicken and sausage plates with all the trimmings for $13, a bake sale, a silent auction, a raffle, a car show plus activities for children.

Gilbert’s sister Alyssa Montoya says all proceeds will help cover ongoing medical costs and living expenses for Sterling and her mother, Kayla, who has been unable to work since summer due to caring for her daughter.

“Right now, she can’t be around family even for the holidays for two months. She can’t be around anybody because of her immune system; she has to make that sure she does not get sick or anything. Even now that she was able to get this transplant, her mom Kayla can’t work. So, she’s been out of work since June so the money that we are hoping to get is to be able to help financially. Every day, Sterling now that she has gotten her transplant will be going to the doctors just as much as she was going before. They have to make sure that her body is accepting this liver and that her body is healing and that she doesn’t get sick and that the numbers are okay,” said Montoya.

Sterling, who has battled health complications since childhood, underwent her transplant on Oct. 31 with the help of a remarkable family connection. According to Montoya, it was her nephew Taylor Montoya, who stepped up to get his body in shape so that he could move forward as her living donor.

“Kayla has always been a part of our family like since she was little. We met her when she was very little and Taylor is Kayla’s brother so once he found out that she needed a transplant, he went and got tested and he found out a week later that he was a match and they had no idea,” said Montoya.

The fundraiser will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion. The Wheels for Sterling Strong Benefit Car Show will also be onsite from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry is $20 per vehicle. The event will include trophies, live music and door prizes. Those interested can contact Abel Rodriguez at 830-660-5019.

Those wishing to contribute to the family but unable to attend can donate via CashApp ($mommamakayla09) or Venmo (@mommamakayla).

They may also contact Alyssa at 830-305-2838.

The American Legion Post 245 is located at 618 W. Kingsbury St.