'Spike for Shelby' Aims to Support Classmate with Moyamoya

Life changed suddenly for Berlin resident Shelby Luddy when, seemingly without warning, she suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with Moyamoya in July 2012.

The family then incurred expensive medical bills and other challenges, but teammates and classmates are stepping up to help Shelby recover to full health with a benefit, "Spike for Shelby" during the Berlin High School Red Coats girls volleyball game on Oct. 9.

"The Luddy family incurred a tremendous amount of medical bills during Shelby's recovery," said parent Patty Maule. "The four senior girls - Alicia Maule, Olivia Dellaquilla, Amanda Patterson and Tess Repaci - wanted to support their classmate and raise awareness of this terrible disease."

The benefit game is open to the public and all proceeds from the event will go to helping the family.

During a special ceremony at the game, seniors will talk about the rare disease that causes constriction of arteries in the brain and can also cause blood clots, according to the official site for Moyamoya. Shelby will also be in attendance, organizers said.

The game is scheduled to begin around 6:00 pm.

"The Volleyball team may struggle on the court with their games this season but they certainly have come together off the court with one common goal," Maule said.

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