This Wednesday in West Haverstraw: Eat Dinner at Wendy’s, Help Team Angelica!

Angelica Hicks, a local 7-year-old girl fighting the rare nerve disorder Hirschsprung’s Disease, will receive some help from the community Wednesday night.

The West Haverstraw Wendy’s, 125 Route 9W, will host a fundraiser at 5-8 p.m., Wednesday evening, featuring free face painting, music, a raffle and Team Angelica wristbands for sale. A surprise elementary school teacher will appear dressed as Wendy, the famed icon of the hamburger restaurant.

Wendy’s will donate 15 percent of all sales receipts during the fundraiser to “Team Angelica.” Staff from Farley and Stony Point Elementary of the North Rockland Central School District will co-host the event.

Angelica Hicks is a first grade student at Stony Point Elementary School, who was born with Hirschsprung’s Disease, a rare nerve disorder that affects the large intestines and hinders food digestion. The disease is typically treated with surgery to bypass or remove the diseased part of the colon, but Angelica’s case has proven more challenging than the norm with extremely rare complications arising. As a result, doctors from the tri-state area have referred her to specialists at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, costing Angelica’s family a great deal in medical and transportation costs.

Over the past couple of months, teachers, staff, parents and members of the community have come together as part of “Team Angelica,” and given generously to help assist Angelica and her family in her fight. A number of fundraisers have been hosted on behalf of Angelica, including a bowling event, t-shirt, and bracelet sales in order to help ease the financial burden facing the family.

The West Haverstraw Wendy’s is co-owned by Ernie Anastos of New York TV news fame. His son Phillip is the primary owner. The Emmy-winning TV news anchor, currently with Fox 5 NY, contacted Rockland media personally on behalf of Team Angelica.