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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2007-11-28, Page 6Page 6 The Huron Expositor • November 28, 2007 News Benefit for KaiIe Tennedy raises over $20,000 Jennifer Hubbard If all goes well, Kailee Kennedy could be coming home by the end of November. - Diagnosed with congenital heart disease and Pierre Robin sequence — resulting in a secondary cleft palate and a recessed chin — shortly after her birth last January, the youngest daughter of Eric and Lori Kennedy, is "doing well" after open heart surgery in Toronto on Oct. 30. After spending a week -and -a -half in Toronto, Kailee was recently transferred back to the London Children's Hospital. "When we got back to London, her heart began racing and they've given her medicine to control that. She'll likely be on it for at least six months," Lori Kennedy explained. "It's not uncommon for that to happen after heart surgery because they're dealing with such an impor- tant piece of equipment." Prior to her most recent surgery, Kailee had only visited •her Vanastra home for seven nights. Due to her medical complications, a tracheotomy and feeding tube are necessary. However, Kennedy said on Sunday that the dream of bringing Kailee home for longer, more fre- quent visits, may soon become a reality thanks to the recent benefit dance. Held at the Vanastra Recreation Centre and organized by family and friends, the Nov 10 benefit featured a dance, euchre tournament and silent and live auctions. Nearly 300 people were in attendance. Jenn Ducharme, Kailee's aunt, said she pleasantly surprised by the support shown. "The dance was sort of forgotten about because there were so many auction items. We had over 200," she laughed. "But everyone had a good time and we raised an amazing amount of money, so 111 arc' arta C111111)1 ST. THOMAS ANGLICAN CHURCH A Congregation of the Parish of The Holy Spirit Jarvis St. Seaforth 519-527-1522 Sunday, Dec. 2 irst Sunday in Advent Worship at 9-.30am Kid's Zone Sunday School at 9:30 am Everyone Welcome; Tires. Dec. 4 - ACW Potluck at 6:30 - home of Rose McMaster at. Dec. 8 - St. Nick's Children's Shopping Day from 10 am -noon for ages 2-13 BETHEL BIBLE CHURCH An Associated Gospel Church 126 Main St. Seaforth 519-527-0982 Sunday School • All Ages • 9:45am Sunday Worship ]lam Pastor Mark Kenn4y EVERYONE WELCOME NORTHSIDE UNITED CHURCH 54 Goderich St. W. Rev. John Gould Sunday, Dec. 2 Worship llam Sermon: When God Calls Time Everyone Welcome ST. JAMES ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Welcomes you 14 Victoria Street, Seaforth 519-527-0142 Sunday Mass 11am St. Patrick's, Dublin Sat. Mass 5 pm - Sun. Mass 9am Fr. Chris Gillespie EGMONDVILLE UNITED CHURCH Sunday, Dec. 2 Pastor Steve Hildebrand WORSHIP AT Ilam Sunday School 10am Everyone welcome FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Goderich St, W., Seaforth Rev. Henry Huberts Sunday, Dec. 2 11:15am Servile Sunday School and Nursery Provided that's all that matters." Organizers met last Thursday to tally up the proceeds and Ducharme reported a grand total of over $20,000 that will be put in trust for Kailee. "It's very overwhelming. I never thought so many people would come out," Kennedy said. "It was nice to see that we have so many friends, family and people in the community who are there for us." And while there were a number of community groups and local busi- nesses that contributed to the event, Ducharme highlighted a $1,500 donation from the Ontario's West Coast Riders motorcycle club. The Grand Bend -based club donated a portion of the proceeds from its sixth -annual Kause for Kids Christmas motorcycle parade. The Nov. 3 event included more than 400 motorcycles. Ducharme also named Good Choice Appliances as a significant contributor. The Vanastra-based business donated a fridge and stove for the live auction. Kennedy praised all involved for a Dust, desperation turns to `cheerful grins' with Huron County donations From Page 5 neighbours and friends all over Huron County have helped to create those cheerful grins. In January, 2008 a new school year begins in cambia. There are 35 bright-eyed six -year-olds eager to begin Grade 1. Other groups of children, sponsored during the last two years, are keen tocontinue their education. School supplies, lunch food, teachers' salaries and funds for life's basic necessities are needed to support the AIDS orphans of Ng'Ormbe. Pastor Benard Sakala, the Headmaster of Flying Angels School, calls the funds from Canada a "miracle" and is overwhelmingly grateful for our support. While it takes $100 to send a child to school for a year, any amount will be gratefully received to help the fami- lies of Ng'Ombe. Through the magic of bank cards, every donation goes directly to Zambia. There are no administrative fees, and tax receipts will be issued for all donations of $20 or more. Donations, with "Africa Project" on the memo line, may be sent to Clinton United Church, Box 204, Clinton, ON, NOM 1LO. For further information about this project, please contact jessbokhout@yahoo.ca or mcbokhout@tcc.on.ca. Sincerely, Helena McShane and Maarten Bokhout 40860 Walton Rd, Box 856, Clinton "well put together," event. "Everyone who helped out did an excellent job," she added. "It was great to see people I hadn't seen in years." Seaforth's Ringling Bros. baseball team and the Vanastra Lions Club both played key roles in the bene- fit's success. , The Kennedys are currently . get- ting quotes on an essential piece of equipment that will monitor Kailee's oxygen and blood flow when she is at home. Proceeds from the benefit will also help the family cover a range of ongoing costs related to Kailee's medical care. With two healthy children — Cordell and Paige, ages five .and three — Eric and Lori Kennedy were surprised to find complications seven months into their third preg- nancy. The couple travels to London nearly every day to spend time with their daughter. And though both parents have been trained in aspects of Kailee's care, a 24-hour nurse is required during any home visit. In the last month, the Kennedys have been able to find a local nurse who is willing to care for Kailee at their home five nights a week. "It's not seven, but it's a great start," Kennedy said. "She should, be able to come home any time now, as long as we have a nurse to"iake cam of her. We're hoping it'll be by the `"° end of the month." Anyone still wishing. to make .a donation "in trust for Kailee Kennedy," can do so at the Royal Bank of anada, through account n 041561. is hard to explain in words how we feel...but we're overwhelmed. Thanks just doesn't seem to say enough," Kennedy added. Howl of alarm has been personalized during seven month job From Page 4 pace of life around here is interrupt- ed by that howling noise, I'm filled with worry that it means one or more of you have been hurt or lost your home or livelihood. It's been an hdnour and a privilege to help tell your stories. Thank you and goodbye.