The North Fork is a place where community comes together in times of crisis, lifting one another up and embracing each other with love during the darkest of hours.
Nowhere was that more apparent than today, at a yard sale hosted by Kait’s Angels for the family of Benjamin Pileski, a young Mattituck man who was critically injured after being hit by a taxi in Montauk last month. Benjamin suffered a traumatic brain injury and is currently at St. Charles Hospital, where he’s embarked upon rehabilitation.
The yard sale was held at the Mattituck home of the Doorhy family; one year ago next Saturday, Kaitlyn Doorhy died after a tragic accident while she was away at college. To honor her memory and celebrate her beautiful life and legacy, Kait’s Angels was formed to embark upon good work and acts of kindness.
Darla Doorhy said the community turned out in a hugely generous way, bringing countless items throughout the week and long into last night, to donate to the sale. Baked goods were also donated. Also sold at the sale were T-shirts and hats, designed by Kathleen Shea.
Gwen DeFriest, Benjamin’s mom, said she found hope after reading a RiverheadLOCAL article about Katheleen’s son Spencer Shea, who suffered a severe brain injury five years ago after a car accident. “Spencer traveled a similar path several years ago and to see his smile today give us something to reach for,” DeFriest said.
And now, Shea has reached out to help Benjamin’s family, designing the T-shirts and hats at her Riverhead business, Peconic Bay Apparel.
After the yard sale, DeFriest said she was moved beyond words by the outpouring of love from the community. “I continue to be very appreciative of the community support. It amazes me how many are following Ben’s story with continued prayers. I cannot say it enough — thank you.”
Next Saturday, August 22, which marks one year since Kait lost her life, a special memorial mass has been organized.
“It will be a sad day for our family,” Darla Doorhy said.
The mass will take place at 5 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church on Main Road in Mattituck. At the mass, a guest speaker will talk about the life-saving impacts of organ donation; she is the recipient of a liver.
After Kait died last year, her family donated her organs so that she could continue her lifelong dedication to giving back.
