Berkeley Benefit Planned For Stricken First Aid Squad Member

BAYVILLE, NJ - Stay Strong Megan.

That's the message on the sign at the Bayville First Aid Squad building on Route 9 here. Up until Sept. 14, Megan was a first aid squad member with the Berkeley Township EMS. But Megan suffered a "life-threatening event" that day when her heart stopped for 45 minutes after a cardiac episode.

The Toms River native - who also volunteers on the Silverton EMS and the Tri Boro First Aid Squad - has been in the intensive care unit at Temple University Medical Center in Philadelphia ever since.

Berkeley Township wants to support the family both emotionally and financially. So residents and visitors are invited to a festival at Veterans Park this Saturday with music, vendors and food, Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele said.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Being a first aider comes naturally to the 28-year-old. Many of Megan's family members belong to the Silverton EMS.

Doctors are still trying to determine what caused Megan's physical problems, her cousin Brian Geoghegan on a GoFundme campaign page set up by her family.

Megan had a tracheotomy put in on Monday and is back under sedation. She has not yet responded to verbal stimulation and is slated for a feeding tube to be inserted, he said in an update.

To contribute to the GoFundme, click here. You also can send Geoghegan a private message through the page to send funds directly to the family.

The rain date for the Berkeley festival is Sept. 30, the chief said.

To contribute to the GoFundme, click here. You also can send Geoghegan a private message through the page to send funds directly to the family.

Flier: Courtesy of gofundme.com, a Patch promotional partner.