The 10th annual Keefe Family Polar Plunge will take place at noon on Feb. 17 in Seabrook on the beach at the intersection of Hooksett and Ocean streets. This year, we will be taking our dip for a dear friend from Lowell, Massachusetts, Sandy Depolito.

On Jan. 11 last year, Sandy lost her leg to a horrible disease called Necrotizing Fasciitis – flesh eating disease. Sandy started having pain on Jan. 5, 2017, in her foot/leg, and six days later, her doctors had no choice but to remove it in three separate operations. Doctors have no idea how she contracted it. It was a horrific week for Sandy and her family.

Sandy has had enormous support since day, one not because of pity, but because of the special mother, aunt, sibling and friend that she is to so many. Today, she is the upbeat, take the rear view mirror down, vibrant person we all knew, taking life and her disability on like everyone knew she would.

Our family is delighted to be taking our tenth annual Keefe Family Polar Plunge in honor of Sandy, with all proceeds going to her for a special apparatus that will make her life easier and more enjoyable.

You see, Sandy has always loved the beach and everything about it. We hope to raise $10,000 so Sandy and her family can purchase a “Water Leg” for her. The water leg would help her to take a shower standing up, and also allow her to go to the beach or swim in a pool without having to leave her leg behind.

What a beautiful gift this would be for her. I will have more details on the date of the Plunge and donation info soon. We felt announcing our intentions today on the day a year ago that she underwent her first operation would mean a lot to her.

What a great way to start the year by rallying to a special person with a simple request to shower standing up and enjoy the beach.

If you would like to donate by check, please make your check out to Sandy Depolito and mail to: Ray Keefe, 3 Howe Drive, Unit 2, Amherst, NH 03031.

To make online donations, you can:

A) PayPal: info@prepressplus.com and make a note to “2018 Polar Plunge” or Sandy Depolito.

B) Venmo To: @Ray-Keefe

Reference: Sandy Depolito.