HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2014-05-07, Page 22 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Drive for Dean fundraiser comes to Seaforth May 24
Whitney South
Huron Expositor
Dean O'Reilly is a little boy with an
infectious smile.
According to his parents, Jim and
Charlene, Dean embraces each day
with determination; all while emitting
a positive, easygoing manner to every-
one he meets.
Attributes that are all too amazing
considering the challenges he has
faced in his five short years.
Undiagnosed since birth, Dean's
medical condition continues to be a
mystery, despite the discovery of a sei-
zure disorder and global developmen-
tal delays. As a result, he uses a wheel-
chair and a full support walker to get
around, and his family and caregivers
provide support for all his daily needs.
Having gone through years of testing,
meeting over a dozen specialists, Dean
continues to be an inspiration to both
his friends and family.
"He's a very happy child," says mom
Charlene, explaining that although
Dean may not be able to communicate
with words, his smile and actions are
always sure to light up any room. "He
loves school and he loves spending
time with his family, Dean just loves
people."
So it's no wonder when the O'Reillys
were in need of a little help, folks from
all over Huron County jumped at the
chance to lend a hand.
Inspired by the family's growing need
to transport Dean comfortably to
appointments at London's Children's
Hospital and Thames Valley Children's
Centre, an eight -person committee
jumped into action.
Their goal was to come up with a
plan to help alleviate some of the van's
cost, which is estimated at around
$60,000.
"We've been so humbled by the out-
pouring of support from the commu-
nity," said Charlene. "We've been really
overwhelmed by everyone's kindness
and support for our family."
Charlene continued on to explain
how lucky the family has been to
receive so much support from so many
different places. "There are so many vil-
lages of people we never expected to be
such a big part of our lives. Neighbours,
the hospitals, the school, it all makes
things go much smoother. We're very
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grateful, everywhere we go we feel so supported."
For an active family like the O'Reillys, purchas-
ing an accessible family van will allow Dean to be
easily transported to all his medical appointments
and family activities, not to mention his big broth-
er's hockey and soccer games. Dean is, after all,
both teams' number one fan.
The Drive for Dean fundraiser will take place
Saturday, May 24, at the Seaforth and District
Community Centre.The event will run all day
with a family fun extravaganza from 2 p.m. to 5
p.m., followed by a pulled -pork dinner from 4:30
to 7 p.m., finishing up with a dance and auctions
in the evening starting at 10 p.m.
The kids' event will offer everything from face -
painting and balloon animals to a penny sale and
storytelling.
Charlene explained how excited she is the
activities will include sensory bins for the little
ones, something Dean will be sure to enjoy. "It's
really great they were thinking of him when they
were choosing activities, it's really going to be
something great Dean and his friends can do
together:'
The auctions will feature some big ticket items,
including signed hockey jerseys, a signed photo of
Bobby Orr and even a pair of tickets for the alumbi
box at a Boston Bruins game, the family's team of
choice, at the TD Boston Gardens.
Admission is by donation. Dinner tickets are
$20 each and are available at Pete's Paper Clip,
UPI and Blooms 'n' Rooms in Seaforth, Queens
Bakery in Blyth, Cinnamon Jim's in Brussels,
McGavin's Farm Equipment in Walton, Nature's
Nest in Londesborough, Marita's Fashion Bou-
tique in Clinton and Jillian's in Mitchell.
For more information, or to make a donation,
please contact Alan and Karen Carter at 519-522-
0399.
AiThere are so many villages
of people we never expected
to be such a big part of our
lives. Neighbours, the hospitals,
the school, it all makes things
go much smoother. We're
very grateful, everywhere we
go we feel so supported."
— Charlene O'Reilly
Whitney South Huron Expositor
The O'Reilly family, Jim with baby Shaylyn, Charlene; Sandy McGlynn, one of the many organizers, Dean and
big brother Ben.