Two-year-old Evan Conway of Drayton continues his battle with leukemia at McMaster Hospital in Hamilton.
Evan’s mother Maggie Conway says her son has good and bad days. Some days he eats and wants to play, other days he has no energy or appetite. A large sticker holds a feeding tube in place to prevent Evan from removing it. Weekly sessions of chemotherapy have caused his hair to fall out.
Maggie, who has lived at the hospital since day one, is tired but says she is doing well. Her focus is on her family and staying positive. The family is moving forward and trying to help in any way they can.
A recent three-day fundraiser on social media by Nicole Dumontier’s jewelry company, Eklektisch, raised $1,700. All proceeds from the sale were donated to the family. Dumontier was thrilled with the community’s response to the fundraiser.
“We don’t know Nicole personally, so we are very touched that she did this for us. We are extremely grateful and can’t thank her enough. She has a heart of gold,” said Maggie.
Until Nov. 21 the Living Well Centre is donating 10% of its sales to the family. A Golden Touch along with Seventh Day Nail Studio are hosting a mini manicure night on Nov. 26 from 7 to 9pm at 28 High Street, Drayton. Raffle tickets at $2 each will be on sale for a chance to win a Jet Black Flat Iron.
Two other fundraisers will be held at a blood donor clinic on Nov. 24 at Community Christian School. M&M Meats will be hosting a barbecue that day, with proceeds going to Evan’s family. A group of mothers from the community are organizing a silent auction planned for the same night. Anyone wishing to donate to the auction should call Heather Clemmer at 519-638-5001.
Canadian Blood Services representative Sharron Cairns said, “The clinic is being held in honour of Evan. Anyone wishing to donate should make an appointment by calling 1-888-236-6283 or online at blood.ca. Making an appointment ensures that enough supplies are brought to the clinic.”
Evan and his family have a long road ahead of them and are thankful that they live in a caring generous community.
“The community continues to support us in many different ways and we feel very blessed to live in such an amazing community. Thank you!” said Maggie.
Still in the planning stages is the raffle of a signed, framed Pittsburgh Penquins jersey donated by the Spaling family and Nick Spaling. Professional framing is being done by Calla Studios, Elmira. Tickets are $5 each or 5/$20 and can be purchased by calling Amanda Newton at 226-748-9721 or Randy Meyer 519-638-5938. The draw date is Dec. 23 at 8pm at the Drayton Chop House.
The community is being asked to decorate their homes, businesses and vehicles with orange ribbons in support of the family. Orange is the colour representative of leukemia.
Free ribbons can be picked up at the Community News office on Wood Street.
