Man sees story over Union Co. boy's campaign for surgery, donates in big way

Add Us On GoogleAdd as a preferred source on Google

UNION CO., KY (WFIE) - 14 News has an update out of Union County. A northern Vanderburgh County couple saw our story Monday over the Quest for a Million Pennies Campaign.

They were so moved by the cause, they decided to do something special. And because they did, others are jumping on board to help out as well.

Terry Voegel and his wife tell us they were home watching 14 News when they saw our story on the campaign to raise money for 14-year-old Zachary Abercrombie. He's a Union County boy born without irises in his eyes. They looked at each other and knew just what to do with a big bucket of loose change they've been saving for years.

When Terry shared his plans with his prayer group, they eagerly jumped in too. What was one bucket, quickly turned into two plus a little stack of bills.

"One of my prayer partners who also worked with me said 'why don't you email our group of guys we've been praying together with for over 25 years, and we'll see what we can gather up,'" said Terry.

The full cost of surgery that will give Zachary prosthetic irises is about $30-$40,000. That surgery will help tone down the light coming into his eyes. To help cover those costs, buckets for change have gone up in all Union County schools and in some local businesses.

Terry says he has no idea just how much his coins are worth, but he's just happy to be able to help, and he is now hopeful others will also be inspired to give.

"God laid it on my heart and I shared it and hopefully this will inspire other people because of this story and I think he will provide the increase for Zachary to get his eyes repaired."

The pennies campaign continues for three months. And in April, at the Sturgis Fairgrounds, a corn hole tournament, truck show and 5K will all benefit Zachary's surgery.