Frances Weller plays Oprah during Welcome Home Angel luncheon | Community Spirit

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WECT) – When Darcie Pettigrew went into labor, it was well before her due date.  She would deliver twins.  The premature births would signal trouble for one of the girls.  Lillian would later be diagnosed with cerebral palsy.  Her twin would be perfectly normal.  Providing for twins would create challenges.  The Pettigrews aren't rich.  But the task would be even tougher because of Lillian.

Fast forward five years, and thanks to an organization called Welcome Home Angel, Lillian and her family are getting all the help they need.

The Welcome Home Angel organization held its annual luncheon at the Holiday Inn in Wrightsville Beach Thursday to raise money for families facing challenges.

The non-profit organization provides a bedroom makeover for children who are born with a disease like Spina Bifida or Cerebral Palsy so that they can live and recover in a health and cheerful environment.  If the child has special needs they also address other areas of the house that may need attention.

WECT’s Frances Weller took part in the event and played the role of “Oprah” during the luncheon.  She interviewed families who benefit from the program.

Welcome Home Angel target children ages 4-17 from low and middle income families who live in a 25 mile radius of Wilmington.

The organization raised over $34,000 during its luncheon.

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