Even before Jenny and Jeff LaFave get home, friends and family in Richmond County are mounting an effort to support the couple and the new additions to their family.

The LaFaves are currently awaiting the release of their children, Maddox and Mason, who were born at 27-weeks, premature, and are now at Duke Hospital in Durham.

This past holiday weekend, Mark Baysek and his family traveled to check on the well-being of the family.

“They’re doing better than I would be under the circumstances,” Baysek said about the LaFaves’ spirits when he spoke to them. “(They’re) Positive thinking and strong-willed people all of the time.”

On Saturday, both LaFaves made the comment to Baysek that they were amazed at the amount of support coming from Richmond County.

“Obviously they’re too busy right now, but they can’t wait to thank everyone someday,” Baysek said.

Friends and family, which includes co-workers from both the Rockingham Police Department and the Village of Pinehurst Police Department, are planning on hosting a fundraiser to benefit the family who, since early December, have been spending nearly all their time in the Durham area.

Baysek has known the LaFaves for nearly 10 years after meeting Jeff when they worked together at the Rockingham Police Department.

Jeff would relocate to the Village of Pinehurst’s Police Department and Baysek began working with Exit Realty in Rockingham.

Jenny LaFave works at Sandhills Regional Medical Center in Hamlet.

“Friends and family have helped chip in money to give them a jump-start on their expenses,” Baysek said.

On Jan. 8 those same friends will be holding a fundraiser at Sandhills Regional Medical Center selling chicken and barbecue plates. The proceeds, according to Baysek, will go to the family to assist with expenses and bills.

“They probably don’t have a real grasp on how much support we have here,” Baysek said.

With Maddox and Mason’s health so fragile, Baysek said that as of Saturday only the parents and grandparents were allowed to see them.

“The target date is their original due date,” Baysek said about the children’s official release date and when they can go home with their parents.

That date may change depending on their health once Spring rolls around. For more updates on the family, go to www.caringbridge.org and type in MaddoxandMasonLaFave in the search box.

Jeff LaFave updates his on-line journal frequently for friends, family and those interested in seeing what the family is doing.

“He’s so consumed by what’s going up there that this is kind of his release,” Baysek said.

When asked how the LaFaves spent their Christmas Day, Baysek replied simply, “they stayed right there with the kids.”

Staff writer Bryan Stewart can be reached at 997-3111 ext. 15 or by e-mail at bstewart@yourdailyjournal.com.