Fundraiser set for hospitalized teen

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Friends and family members of a Putnam County teenager who was diagnosed with leukemia last year have planned a benefit fundraiser for her and her family this weekend.

Donations will be accepted for 19-year-old Chantal Johnson, a recent North Putnam High School graduate, and her family during a car wash planned for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the home of Aaron and Jodie Clodfelter. The Clodfelter's home is located at 461 Mill Springs Dr. in the Heritage Lake community.

Jodie Clodfelter says she and her husband have been caring for Chantal's 12-year-old sister, Brycelynn Johnson, since last September while the girls' parents Wendy and Bruce Johnson tend to Chantal at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis.

All donations accepted during Saturday's car wash will go to the Johnsons and will help with their gasoline and food expenses.

"They said to thank everyone so much," Jodie said of the Johnsons.

Jodie also said Chantal is in remission with her leukemia right now, however she has recently experienced more complications. The Clodfelters plan to videotape the car wash and show it to Chantal in hopes of encouraging her to keep fighting.

"Her spirits need to be lifted up," Jodie said, adding that Chantal would like to have visitors at the hospital. "We hope to show her that she can fight this."

The Johnsons also live at Heritage Lake and Brycelynn is best friend's with the Clodfelter's daughter Brookynn.

"Honestly, she's just a joy to have," Jodie said of Brycelynn. "She fits in with our family and we've had no problems. We would do it again if we had to."

To get to the Clodfelter's home, turn south from U.S. 36 at the BP gas station at Groveland (CR 725 East).

Continue south on 725 East for about 2-and-a-half miles, following it to the lake.

Drive through two stop signs, arriving at a "T" intersection. Turn left onto Mill Springs Road and the Clodfelter's home is the fourth one on the left (four houses down from the boat launch).

Jodie said there will be signs to direct drivers to the car wash.

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