A Powell River family is reaching out to the community for a helping hand after news that their 13-year-old daughter will likely have to spend the next six months in BC Children’s Hospital.
Madison White has been diagnosed with leukemia and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
Her great aunt Susan Blanchard who lives in Welland, Ontario, set up a Go Fund Me fundraising page on March 20. Since then the page has collected more that $4,000 for the family.
Madison was taken to children’s hospital on Monday, March 16 after her mother could not wake her. She underwent brain surgery for a hemorrhage and was kept in an induced coma until Thursday, March 19.
According to Blanchard doctors determined the bleed was caused by Madison’s advanced acute myelogenous leukemia.
The teen has begun a course of chemotherapy to fight the bone marrow cancer but doctors estimate she will remain in hospital for the next half year for treatments.
“It will be a long, hard battle for this beautiful little girl but we are hopeful with the love of her family, friends and God’s healing hands,” wrote Blanchard.
Madison’s family is currently staying in Ronald McDonald House in Vancouver, but are not sure how long they will be able to remain there.
Madison’s father has thought of moving his family to Vancouver for the duration, however this means taking his other children out of school and relocating them, which is an expense they cannot afford, Blanchard wrote.
“Madison loves her siblings so much and needs to have them around her as a means of positive support, which helps her to heal,” she added.
The family appreciates any amount of money donated by the community. Readers can find Blanchard’s Go Fund Me page.
A Bank of Montreal account (transit 07810 account 3982–189) has been set up as well and donations can be made at any branch of the bank. Payments can be made payable to Madison’s uncle Christopher MacGregor with memo: In trust Madison White.
Alternatively, people wishing to help can attend Savoury Bight’s fundraiser for Madison at 7:30 pm on Thursday, April 2, called Maddie’s Circle of Love. Activities will take place in the Pow Wow Room at Beach Gardens Resort and Marina, and include local entertainment and a silent auction. Admission is by donation. Gift certificates or merchandise for the silent auction can be given to Sharon Smalley, chef at Savoury Bight.
