The Prince Albert Optimist Club is hosting their 3rd Annual Ladies Fall Gala on Saturday September 9, 2017. The gala will consist of a toy tractor raffle, silent auction, supper, dance, and vendor alley. There will be over 200 ladies attending this event. From the money raised at the last galas, we were able to help local children: Jonas Clarke, Aurora Sky Ledoux, Harley Buzit, Bentley Broome, Addison Diehl, Julia Brandoline and Katie Enequist.
This year, all funds raised will be going to three new local families with children who have the following medical conditions:
Tianna Dewhurst is a 17 year old girl who at the age of 16 was diagnosed with neuro borrellia and other anthropoid related infections. She became ill at the tender age of 8 and having been misdiagnosed for so many years the bacteria has had the opportunity to wreck havoc on her body. She has lost the ability to read, write, and walk. She is completely dependent on her family to care for her. She has multiple severe symptoms that she suffers through daily but still manages to offer a smile through it all. At one point her body shut down while her mind remained awake aware of the happenings around her but she was unable to move or communicate other than tapping her fingers yes or no. Her family went to great lengths to try and get help for her greatly misunderstood disease by traveling everywhere from Kansas to BC, Alberta and finally settling back in Saskatchewan. It was here that their prayers were finally answered with a new physician whom offered a new treatment plan that her body is slowly responding to. Having been completely bedbound for a few years Tianna is slowly reintroducing herself to the world around her. She finds beauty in the simple things that we often take for granted everyday. She is still in serious condition but she is now able to sit up, talk and eat without a feeding tube. Hope has been restored to a young girl who has fought so hard for so many years. Even though she suffers so much every single day with multiple severe symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, unbearable pain, electrical jolts, breathing problems, legs that are unable to walk, she is still so thankful for the positive she sees in her life. Her kind and loving nature truly make her an inspiration to be around.
Mason Gariepy is a 6 year old boy who was diagnosed with leukemia on August 4, 2016 at age five. He was transferred to RUH in Saskatoon where he stayed for 8 months. After several rounds of chemo Mason received the news that he will need to be transferred to Calgary for a bone marrow transplant. Mason’s mom, dad and two older brothers were tested to see if they were a bone marrow match but unfortunately they were not a match. Thankfully, two other donors were found. During preparations for the trip to Calgary, Mason’s MRI showed swelling in his brain along with a build up of fluid. The doctors placed a shunt to drain the fluid which eased Mason’s headaches. After the shunt was clamped Mason’s headaches returned and a CT scan showed swelling and a new fluid build up. The first shunt was replaced and a second shunt was installed in a different spot. The shunts were removed at the beginning of March. Mason made the journey to Calgary on March 22. His transplant date is set for May 19. During this entire journey Mason’s mom quit her job so she could be with Mason every step of the way. Mason’s dad has remained working in Prince Albert and is caring for their twins boys.
Alice Maxwell born December 12, 2016, almost two months before her expected delivery date. Due to complications with the mother’s health, the doctors felt Alice would have a greater chance of survival on the outside she was just three pounds, four ounces. Due to her prematurity Alice spent the first three weeks of her life in an incubator, under the warmth of a UV light. There were many tubes attached to her to assist her with breathing and eating. Alice showed great strength and resilience in her early weeks but she was having difficulty feeding due to her inability to breathe through her nose. The doctors decided the best course of action would be to fly Alice to Edmonton for a special operation, which could only be done at the Stollery Hospital. Alice was flown by Air Ambulance to Edmonton on January 1st , and she would receive her first dilation the next day. She receive a second, more invasive procedure about a week and a half later, which involved removing the actual tissue causing the blockage. Alice was flown back to Saskatoon the following week and remained at RUH until February 21. On March 27, Alice travelled back to Edmonton for a follow up appointment. The doctor in charge decided it best Alice undergo a third procedure. As of this time there are no further surgeries expected. On her four month birthday, she weighed just over seven pounds. Alice continues to have regular appointments in Saskatoon and Prince Albert. She also has another appointment in Edmonton on June 19. Alice is very alert and strong, she is expected to be about two months behind in development compared to babies who are born at full-term. She still struggles with weight gain and has some reflux issues. The constant travel does weigh heavy on expenses. At present time her father is not working and is raising Alice on his own.
We are looking for donations for our silent auction that will be taking place at the gala. If you are interested in donating a gift certificate, a product from your line, or even cash, please contact us.
