Comedy and Cocktails For A Chair

Nine-year-old Samantha Sturkey-DiPadova was born with spina bifida which required her to be in a wheelchair since birth. But the youngster never let that slow her down - until now.  

The avid wheelchair basketball player was unable to begin the season because she outgrew her chair and is no longer able to play in it.

With a $2,000 price tag, it wasn't in her mother Nicole's budget. So that's when Nicole's friend and trainer Sally Andersen stepped in. 

"Samantha is just this bright little girl that you're so excited to know," she said. "She loves wheelchair basketball, she talks about it all the time."

Andersen, who met the two at the Kendrick Recreation Center, said they deserve the support because they never feel sorry for themselves. 

"Even in the face of everything they have to deal with they're always so positive it," she said. "They accept that they're going to have to fight for everything and that's what they do."

So, in the face of heartache over not being able to play, Andersen thought some laughs might be the best medicine. 

The trainer got together her comedian friends and put together a fundraiser at the Manayunk Brewery that is set for Thursday. 

"The entire community has really come together on this one," Andersen said. "The Brew Pub is donating all the space and local businesses have chipped in."

One local fitness instructor held a pre-Thanksgiving workout and invited Samantha to be the guest of honor. Donations were received at the class. 

"Everyone has really come on board," Andersen said, adding that the event was especially a shock to Nicole. 

"She is extremely excited," the trainer said. "She told me that she always told people that she had the best trainer and now she really does."

Tickets are $10 at the door and the evening will feature a cocktail hour with Samantha from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by a five-comedian show. A WMMR disc jockey will be hosting the event. 

Although Andersen chose not to pre-sell tickets, she is confident with the buzz its created. 

"I think we can definitely get to $2,000," she said. "The entire community is helping out."