John Turner / Special to The Citizen

AUBURN - On Sunday, Angel Morgan could fly.

With the help of community contributions, donations, and in-kind services from people throughout Cayuga County, Angelina - nicknamed "Angel"- took flight at a benefit at the Polish Falcon Nest No. 74 on Pulaski Street.

The fundraiser, organized by Morgan's mother, Sandra Fox-Steigerwald, was held to raise funds for the Help Angel Fly Fund," established earlier this year.

Morgan, 26, a native Auburnian and a 1998 Auburn High School graduate, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of six months, and is currently undergoing treatment in conjunction with a double lung transplant.

Morgan has thus far beaten the odds by giving birth to a daughter, Robyn, and she continues to amaze and inspire others with her progress.

The benefit, a packed house on Sunday afternoon, featured Art Wenzel as master of ceremonies and music by Bob Piorun and the Convertibles.  The band had several guests artists sit in, and they performed a variety of rock, jazz, and country tunes.  A pasta dinner buffet was served also.

Also included in the festivities were door prizes, such as fishing poles, a vacuum cleaner, and a rug donated by local merchants.  A 50/50 raffle was also held, and the winner was announced at the end of the evening.

"This benefit is to help with living and traveling expenses for my daughter," Fox-Steigerwald said. 

"We travel to New York City every four to 10 weeks, and with the price of gas today, we need all the help we can get," she said.

Fox-Steigerwald added that, although they receive discounted hotel rates, the total cost of her daughter's treatment is enormous.