Ladies Gala fundraising for families facing medical struggles

“We have some low days but my husband and I both try and take every little miracle we can and try to live as positively as we can and we have more good days then bad,” Erika said.

Bentley underwent spinal surgery last January to relieve pressure on his spinal cord, which was pulling the lower part of his brain downward.

Though the surgery was a success, Bentley still visits specialists every six months, and more spinal surgeries loom in his future.

Bentley was born with mixed anomalies in his thoracic spine, an extra half vertebrae in his lower spine, fused ribs, and an under-developed ear, among other obstacles.

Doctors expect Bentley will have to undergo many more surgeries in his lifetime.

Family friends organized a GoFundMe campaign for Bentley last December that is still on-going. So far it has raised $15,512 towards its $20,000 goal.

The GoFundMe and the upcoming gala will help with many of the costs people don’t normally see, such as trips to specialists, and making up for time taken off work.

Bentley’s parents said funds raised for him are placed in a special bank account. Once Bentley has undergone his last surgery, whatever donations remain will be transferred to another child in need.

George Lewko, a member of the Prince Albert Optimist club, said they decided to put on the Gala when approached by families facing long-term medical conditions.

“(We) get to know the families when they come to us for money like that and they’re very appreciative of anything we help them with,” said Lewko. “We knew these ones were going to be a longer-term care, and more money required as well, so we decided to put on this gala to help these four kids this year.

“If people want to get out and help, that would be awesome.”

Aurora Sky Ledoux, who suffered a prenatal brain injury when her mother, Brandi Lepine, died in a car wreck while pregnant with her, will also be receiving proceeds from the event.

Another recipient, Jonas Clarke, is a seven year old who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in March. He also struggles with a severe form of autism, adding to his struggle.

Lastly, three-year-old Harley Buzit is a sufferer of acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Part of the donations will go to the chemotherapy and blood transfusions she’ll require for the next three to five years.

The gala will include of a wine pull fundraiser, silent and live auctions, a dance and vendors.

Tickets to the gala are $80 for one or $550 for a table of eight. They can be purchased at Playasol Active Sol, Diamond North Credit Union and on their event website by Wednesday night.

With files from Spencer Sterritt.

asoloducha@panow.com

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha

by Alex Soloducha

Ladies Gala fundraising for families facing medical struggles

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