Madison Teachers 'Bowl for Brooke'

Madison school district employees went "Bowling for Brooke" Thursday as part of a fundraiser for a colleague's 4-year-old daughter who is being treated for a tumor on her brain stem.

"Teachers and administrators from across the district came out to support Brooke Healey," said Nancy Willis, athletic secretary at Madison High School. "The event raised $1100.00!"

Brooke, the daughter of Steve Healey, a Madison High School math teacher and sports coach, has inspired several local fundraisers, including the bowling event at Plaza Lanes, and even gained the attention of pop star Taylor Swift and Super Bowl champion Darnell Stapleton.

Local fundraisers include Madison businesses for $5. One of those bracelets reportedly wound up with Swift, who hopes to meet Brooke at one of her upcoming concerts, Healey wrote:

Former Pittsburgh Steeler, Darnell Stapleton has caught wind of Brooke's story and wants to come visit her in the upcoming weeks. ...

(Taylor Swift) has also shown interest in meeting Brooke and has asked Brooke to  come to one of  her shows at the Prudential Center in Newark on 3/27/13.  She is going to acknowledge Brooke with a shout out and bring her up on stage to sing  a song to her. WOW, HOW COOL IS THAT FOR A 4 YEAR OLD GIRL!

Last month, the high school athletic department held a "White Out Day," with students and faculty wearing white to support the family. On that day, wrestling match and basketball game attendees were asked to make a donation for Brooke in lieu of admission.

The high school Key Club held a bake sale, and the high school's Peer Group Connection sold bear cut-outs to post in the high school halls.

A "Believe in Brooke" fundraising benefit scheduled for March 16 at The Grand Summit Hotel sold out, and organizers are keeping a waiting list.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is granting Brooke's wish to go to Disney World and The Daniel Galorenzo Foundation recently helped arrange a princess-themed party for Brooke, journal entries said.

Healey has said funds are much-needed to cover medical expenses not covered by insurance and related costs, and the community support has been "amazing."

The family is providing information and updates about Brooke's health and ways to help at www.BrookeHealey.com.