Lions and Lioness clubs in Guelph and Fergus are working to help a Guelph family deal with a rare brain cancer that has struck their 13-year-old daughter, Lorissa.
The clubs have set a goal of at least $10,000 to help the family offset the costs associated with constant trips to the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto for treatment.
Not all the medical treatment is being covered by OHIP, said family friend and spokesman Larry Wainwright.
In addition to a trust fund set up with Meridian Credit Union, the Lions, in partnership with the Price Choppers supermarket in Fergus, will hold a barbecue May 29.
There is also a draw for a series of prizes offered by Guelph and Fergus businesses to take place on July 3. First prize is a 42-inch plasma television donated by Sears Canada. Other prizes include two rounds of golf and gift cards at several local businesses and restaurants.
Lorissa is one of a handful of patients identified and the first to be treated at Sick Kids for this type of cancer in this location.
“This is the only time (doctors in Toronto) have ever seen this type of brain tumor,” said Wainwright, a member of the Ariss and District Lions Club.
“It is so rare there are only a handful of people known to have it around the world. Because of this, the doctors are conferencing and consulting as they go to determine the next course of treatment and they don’t always have definite answers to our questions.”
Lorissa, who turned 13 in February, has undergone two major surgeries on the frontal lobe of the brain during the past year. Months of chemotherapy and many tests followed.
Most recently, she started a seven-week series of radiation treatments requiring daily trips to the Toronto five days a week.
Earlier, the teen was held in isolation following high dosage chemotherapy and stem cell therapy.
Funds raised will be used to offset the costs of transportation, day care and incidental costs.
Lorissa lives in Guelph with her mom, dad, two younger sisters, ages 6 and 5, and a new baby brother born in January.
The family, which prefers not to disclose its last name, acknowledges the grateful assistance of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Community Care Access Center.
Anyone wishing to help can contact Wainwright at 519-843-4516 or by email at larryw6838@yahoo.com.
