In 2012, when she was just 10 years old, Sheyanne O’Donnell was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.
During visits to McMaster’s Children’s Hospital in Hamilton for treatment, surgery and testing, she was often given a toy to brighten her day.
After a brief period of stability, Sheyanne relapsed in November, 2013. At that time she asked her family to hold a toy drive to collect Christmas gifts for sick children staying at the hospital over the holidays.
Her goal was to collect 100 to 200 toys, but instead the community donated 1,200.
Sadly, Sheyanne lost her battle with cancer in February of this year, but her family hopes to keep her vision alive by continuing the Smiley Chimps Toy Drive. They are collecting donations throughout the month of November.
Sheyanne’s mother Rebecca O’Donnell says for children undergoing treatment for serious diseases such as Sheyanne’s, a small gift can go a long way.
“The kids get mad, they get cranky, they get upset – so the hospital would sometimes give them a toy or something they really wanted to cheer their days up,” she said.
“Sheyanne realized the [impact] and really wanted to bring joy to other people.”
O’Donnell says having a child at the hospital regularly for cancer treatment is often hard on families during the holidays – and can also take a financial toll.
“[Sheyanne] saw us struggle with finances ourselves and wanted to help other children still get gifts,” O’Donnell said.
She explained, “I don’t know if the public realizes, but it’s a lot of money. One parent is usually off work and you’re paying for medications and the parents at the hospital are paying for food for themselves. You have less income and that means parents can’t necessarily pay for Christmas presents.”
The O’Donnell family is collecting gifts for children and youths from newborn to 18 years old at McMaster hospital. Items for teens are in particular demand because they are more difficult to shop for.
“People don’t really know what to buy them, but gift cards are always great, like for iTunes, or CDs and movies, Sports stuff or make-up,” O’Donnell suggested.
Donations should be unwrapped and still in the original packaging with tags attached. Toys can be dropped off until Nov. 30 at the following locations:
– Kevin and Rebecca O’Donnell’s house, 224 Domville St., Arthur;
– Terry and Kate O’Donnell’s house, 270 Isabella St., Arthur;
– Kenilworth Country Kitchen;
– Bargain Barns, 157 George St., Arthur; or
– Walsh’s Pharmacy, 200 George St., Arthur.
Donations will also be accepted at the Arthur Legion Ladies craft sale on Nov. 29 from 10am to 2pm at the Legion and the Guelph Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 29 at 84 Lewis Rd., Guelph. There will also be a 50/50 draw that night with proceeds going toward the toy drive.
