The Prince Albert Optimist Club is hosting their 4th Annual Fall Gala on Saturday September 29, 2018. This years gala is a mixed gala. The gala will consist of a West Jet Raffle, BBQ raffle, silent auction, supper, dance, and vendor alley. There will be over 200 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, Katie Enequist, Tianna Dewhurst, Mason Gariepy and Alice Maxwell.
This year, all funds raised will be going to three new local families with children who have the following medical conditions:
Tatum Michael McKee (male 6 months old) has Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease that occurs in infants. Bile flowing from the liver to the gallbladder is blocked. This causes bile to be trapped inside the liver, quickly causing damage and scarring of the liver cells, and eventually leads to liver failure. A Kasai Procedure has been done, and without this procedure Tatum would die. Unfortunately, if the procedure fails a liver transplant is required. This is not a cure for Biliary Atresia but it does allow for the majority of infants to grow and have fairly good health for several years before needing a liver transplant. Tatum was diagnosed with suspected cholangitis, one of the many common complications after the surgery he had. Tatum is on numerous expensive medications daily.
Zarah Thompson (female 1 year old) was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome (RS), a neurological disorder. RS is caused by a gene mutation or deletion which causes a lack of production of an important brain protein. RS causes regression of acquired skills. It takes away the ability to speak and function typically by interrupting the gross motor function of the body. Although she cannot speak with her mouth, she tells us so much with her eyes. Zarah has just received her Tobii Dynavox communication system and is just beginning to learn how to manipulate the computer with just her eyes. People with RS are at risk for seizures, developing dystonia, constipation, breath holding, hyperventilation, swallowing coordination issues, behavior problems, anxiety, and many other manifestations affecting the body systems. Zarah is followed by numerous specialists every 2-3 months and has semi monthly visits with physio, occupational, speech and language therapists.
Keaton Constant (male 3 years old) was born via C-section, as the doctors did not want him going through the stress of birth. Keaton was born with a hole between the two lower chambers of his heart as well as a missing conduit. Keaton had his first heart surgery in 2014. His 2nd heart surgery was a short 6 months later. He was born with under-developed femurs or thighbones which are almost non-existent while his “knees” are in his hips. Keaton was born with numerous skeletal anomalies. He recently had surgery on both feet. He will require a minimum of two additional heart surgeries in Edmonton. Keaton attends regular appointments with occupational, speech and physical therapy in Prince Albert, with regular follow-up appointments every 6 months in Saskatoon.
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.
