A three-day fundraising event is taking place this weekend, to help with the financial pressures incurred by a local family.
Dylan Paige Rae, whose family is from Cranbrook, was born in April, 2013, with gastroschisis. Gastroschisis is a birth defect of the abdominal (belly) wall. The baby’s intestines stick outside of the baby’s body, through a hole beside the belly button. The hole can be small or large and sometimes other organs, such as the stomach and liver, can also stick outside of the baby’s body.
Dylan has been at the Calgary Children’s Hospital since birth, and her mother has been there with her as well. Dylan has undergone several surgeries, and the prognosis is hopeful that she will be able to come home soon, but the financial stresses on the family are building up.
Pat Van Hesterern, of Ultimate Fundraising in Cranbrook, has come in to help out.
“With the family not being able to work, as they take care of their daughter and ensure that they are there for her, the financial situation has become a concern,” he said. “This is where we are looking to help.”
Ultimate Fundraising is a local company focusing on child safety. It is currently offering Fundraising with First Aid kits. Ultimate Fundraising will donate 50 cents from every kit sold in the East and West Kootenays to the Rae Family for the remainder of 2013. Van Hesteren said so far three Cranbrook companies — Alpine Toyota, Arrow Motors and Home Hardware — have taken on the first aid kits, and they are available for purchase there.
As well, several fundraising events are scheduled in upcoming days. They include: a performance by Trena Spears at Dewey’s Pub on Friday, Sept. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m., with all donations going to the Rae Family; a performance by local band DCH and silent auction being held at Dewey’s on Saturday, Sept. 21; a basketball fundraiser behind Save On Foods on Saturday, Sept. 29.
Contact Pat Van Hesteren at 1-888-489-8122 for more information.
Visit Praying For Poop on Facebook to learn more about upcoming fundraisers and follow how baby Dylan is progressing.