GoFundMe Created To Help Young Girl Diagnosed With B-Cell Leukemia Days After Fourth Birthday

It may not be the best present for four-year-old Ellie Bell as she was diagnosed with B-Cell leukemia shortly after her fourth birthday but a GoFundMe was set up to aid the family.

Bell after meeting Santa Clause at Lansdowne Place Mall while she got her face painted. Photo courtesy of Natalie Campbell.

Bell received the diagnosis four days after her fourth birthday (Dec. 12). She was release from the hospital after spending 10 days according to a Facebook post from her mother.

It began as what the family thought was a high fever and Bell was taken to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. She was eventually taken to SickKids Hospital on the same day for several tests including blood work, x-rays and ultrasounds.

The second day, Bell had to be put on a feeding tube while already on five days with no food or fluids according to the GoFundMe page. It was revealed that she respiratory syncytial virus, urinary tract infection and rhinovirus resulting in a a prescription of heavy antibiotics and receiving a blood transfusion (which gradually helped her condition).

On Bell’s 10th and final day at the hospital — which was her birthday — she received a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy because her cell line numbers were still low as stated in the GoFundMe. She was released from the hospital that day. During that time, Bell’s mother had openly asked friends and family to send videos wishing her a happy birthday.

Bell was readmitted on Thursday for a lumbar puncture and her first round of chemotherapy. I was administrated directly into her spine to prevent the cells from travelling to her spinal fluid and brain. A second round of chemotherapy on the same day.

On Friday, Bell will ‘receive a port line inserted in her chest to prevent two years worth of needle pokes’ according to Natalie Campbell, Bell’s great aunt.

Bell began junior kindergarten however her treatment will take roughly two to three years and is unable to return to class until the following school year. The parents have taken time off work to care for her during the recovery process.

“Our top priority is making sure Ellie has the love and support she needs to stay strong, as well as getting more answers in the coming weeks to further determine her prognosis,” said Campbell.

The GoFundMe was created by Campbell on Thursday that has already seen short of $5,000 of the $10,000 goal.

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Five Counties Children's Centre Offers Holiday Preparation Tips

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is offering holiday tips for families to make the holidays merry and light.

Photo courtesy of Five counties Children’s centre.

“Whether celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Winter Solstice, the holiday season comes with high expectations, changes in routine and extra stimulation that can be overwhelming for some kids,” says Ashley Parsons, FCCC occupational therapist. “As parents and families, it’s important to reduce the stress and anxiety created by the holidays to make it a more enjoyable time for everyone.”

According to FCCC staff, it is not just children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing issues who can be impacted by the holidays.

“The pandemic has disrupted large gatherings and in-person celebrations, creating a situation where many kids aren’t equipped or don’t know how to socialize or engage in play with others outside their immediate families,” Parsons says.

Preparation involves a plan for success, says FCCC. They suggest the use of calendars to mark events and count down the days and photos/maps/videos as visuals to share with younger family members or children who have communication challenges to help prepare them for who/where you’re visiting.

FCCC also offers the following tips to help prepare your family for the holidays:

• Decorate less or do it gradually. While holiday decorations make the season brighter, they can also be disruptive for some kids. Pulling out pictures from previous holiday seasons can help children adjust to what’s planned (if you don’t have photos, take some this year). Having kids involved in decorating can ease the process, as can taking a step-by-step approach to decorating. For instance, set up the tree one day, but wait until the next day before starting to decorate. Once decorations are up, set clear rules about what can and can’t be touched.

• Give gifts the right way. Most children get excited over holiday gifts, but for some kids, it can be overwhelming. If a child starts to obsess over a desired gift, find ways to manage their interest. For example, try a ‘five-for-five swap.’ Give your child five stickers that can be exchanged for being able to talk about the gift for a five-minute interval. To help manage holiday gift expectations, make a list with your child of realistic items he or she wants for the holidays. This list can then be shared with family members and friends who can register to purchase one of the desired gifts.

• Change for the better isn’t always better. Many children thrive on routine, and the holidays can throw off schedules. Having familiar items on hand can help calm stressful situations. If you are travelling for the holidays, make sure you have a child’s favourite books, toys, games and activities. Rehearse in advance what will happen or what can be expected to also ease children through any change or disruption of routine.

• Here’s food for thought. Enjoying a holiday meal with friends or family may not be enjoyable for all kids, especially if they are picky eaters or unlikely to enjoy unfamiliar food that’s on the menu. Some kids may also have allergies or require special diets. Have some of your child’s favourite or familiar foods on hand for dinner, either by bringing it yourself or ensuring some will be served during the holiday meal. If needed, identify a quiet area where your child can go to eat on their own if mealtime with others is too much.

• Take a break. Have a plan in case holiday visits or festivities become too overwhelming. Develop a signal that you child can use to say they need a break or want to be on their own. Work with your host to find a pre-determined quiet space for your child to de-stress. Have headphones with songs or stories that your child can wear to calm themselves and drown out surrounding noises. 

• Dress for success. Ensure your child wears clothing that is familiar and will not cause discomfort if going to a special holiday dinner or event.

• Prepare others for what to expect. The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones, so help them to understand your child. Be open and honest. Offer strategies on how they can help reduce anxiety or stress with your child. Help them see that your child may prefer not to be hugged. Share potential triggers that could cause your child to become upset. Stress to loved ones the importance of remaining calm and neutral to avoid outbursts.

“You know your child best, so look to what has worked for your family in situations or holidays past,” said Parsons. “With a bit of planning and preparation, you and your child can enjoy a wonderful holiday season that is merry and a bit light!”

U13 Hockey Team Raises $1,300 For Needing Families on Giving Tuesday

The U13 Central Ontario AAA Wolves put their generous spirit on display raising nearly $1,350 to purchase gifts on ‘Giving Tuesday’ for needing families for in Peterborough.

Photo courtesy of Chad Birkhof.

“It’s something that we’ve done with other teams we’ve coached,” said Chad Birkhof, Wolves head coach. “For us, it was a bit of a team-building function. Those kids raised that money on their own and they had the opportunity to buy for those families and children. It’s the gift of giving at Christmas.”

All photos courtesy of Chad Birkhof.

The team consisted of players from Peterborough, Omemee, Bobcaygeon and Lindsay. They shopped for gifts at Walmart on Chemong Road with their coaches and determined what would be suitable for the respective families they were helping.

The Wolves had sponsored a family of four and gave gifts to them as well as two other teenagers (one boy and one girl).

“We are so proud of this group of boys and so grateful that the Wolves are able to spread some Christmas cheer and support those who need it the most,” said Courtney Bribeau, Central Ontario Wolves ice scheduler. “Thanks to the coaches and mothers who helped pull all of this together.”

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Popular Children's Education Youtube Star Blippi To Perform at Peterborough Memorial Centre on Mar. 10

Popular Youtube star Blippi is bringing his entertaining kids’ education antics to town at the Peterborough Memorial Centre for his ‘Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour’ show on Mar. 10 announced on Tuesday.

lippi has become a worldwide sensation with more than one billion monthly views on YouTube and more than 50 million fans around the world. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The character Blippi is being played by professional stage performers selected specifically for the stage show.

Tickets go on sale on Friday at 10 a.m. with presales beginning Wednesday, November 30 at 10:00 a.m. They can also be purchased online, over the phone at 705-743-3561 or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office.

Families can also purchase a photo experience add-on to meet Blippi’s portrayed character and get their picture taken with him in one of his machines at the end of the show. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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Children's Gift Wishes Being Granted Through 33rd Annual Santa's Sleigh Program

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation (KHCAS) has launched its 33rd annual Santa’s Sleigh program encouraging the community to grant 850 children’s Christmas wish lists at Walmart (Chemong location) announced Thursday.

Ireland Reid, 6, telling Santa Claus what she wanted for Christmas during the launch of Santa’s Sleigh at Walmart. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The children affiliated with the charity wrote their gift lists on cards to be hung on a Christmas tree at Walmart. Anyone can grab the card, purchase the gift and donate it in a dropbox shaped like Santa’s sleigh.

Money, gift cards and presents not on wish lists are encouraged and accepted for the program as alternate ways to help.

"They (the children) have to be involved in the local Children's Aid Society and so they would have been referred there because there is something going on in their family that they need help with so the Children's Aid Society is involved and trying to help that family and we wanted to give themselves a boost this Christmas,” said Carrie Truman, KHCAS executive director.

The campaign runs from Nov. 24 to Dec. 5 at noon at Walmart (Chemong Road location).

Members of the Peterborough Lions Club, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of REALTORS and Corus Entertainment have volunteered to help add new cards to the tree and collect items from donors.

Click here to make an online monetary donation to the charity.

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Kawartha Youth Orchestra Launches Its RESONATE! Campaign For Music Education Bursaries

The Kawartha Youth Orchestra (KYO) is launching its RESONATE! campaign this Sunday to coincide with Giving Tuesday next week and recognize local philanthropists Ralph and Carol Ingleton announced on Wednesday.

Roughly 100 children are enrolled KYO which operate out of rehearsal space at All Saints’ Church in the City of Peterborough’s downtown core. Photo courtesy of KYO.

The campaign raises bursaries for local children who cannot afford to pay for music education. The goal is to raise $70,000 for bursaries in 2022-23.

The Ingletons are being honoured during a rehearsal after KYO received an undisclosed donation. The senior orchestra rehersal is conducted by KYO artistic director Dr. Alexander Cannon.

“Music is part of our lives and having a youth orchestra in our community is simply wonderful,” said Ralph. “Helping young people with needs to make music is extremely important. I would hope that other musical friends will join in lending a helping hand.”

‘#GivingTuesday’ is a global movement and day of giving to non-profits, that encourages people to do good and unleash their power to transform their community.

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Santa Claus To Appear At Dr. J's To Fundraise For SickKids Hospital On Dec. 18

Santa Claus is coming to Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews for to have his picture taken for a meet and greet in a charity fundraiser for SickKids Toronto on Dec. 18 announced on Thursday.

Last year, Dr. J’s operated their Santa Calus event by appointment only. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Last year, Dr. J’s ran the same event in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association. They chose SickKids as the recipient of all fundraising proceeds as it holds sentimental value to owner Addison Brown and his family.

“This year, we have chosen a charity very close to our hearts, and one our family will soon get to know all too well,” he explained. “You may have heard that the Brown family will be expanding with two new little members, one of whom will be needing a little extra attention from the wonderful team at SickKids Toronto.”

Photo courtesy of Addison Brown.

“We feel so fortunate to have such wonderful care available to us and we are looking forward to giving back this Christmas,” said Addison.

Santa is appearing from noon until 6 p.m. for photo opportunities with a five-dollar donation. Gift wrapping is also available from Dec. 16-18 with any monetary donation.

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Lakefield Collaboration Creates Gift Boxes To Support Local Businesses and Charity

Online marketplace FriendLilySHOP has teamed up with small businesses to support Lakefield Youth Unlimited (LYU) and local retailers by selling gift boxes of locally-sourced items announced on Wednesday.

Chris Jones, Lakefield Youth Unlimited (left) with Jim Riches, FriendLilySHOP (right) with the gift boxes to support Lakefield Youth Unlimited with items from several local businesses. Photo courtesy of LYU.

The gift boxes contain items from The English Potter, Angle Iron Kitchen, The Nutty Bean Cafe, Reclaimed Garden Co. and Kyoto Coffee. The boxes are available beginning on Saturday at the aforementioned retailers or online.

A portion of the proceeds is donated to LYU to aid and support Youth Unlimited programs that build community within the village and provide key opportunities for the personal and spiritual development of our youth according to a press release.

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Hometown PTBO: Former OHL Defenseman Dan Growden Raising Money For His Daughter Diagnosed With Angelman Syndrome

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks to former OHL defenseman Dan Growden about his OHL career, transitioning into speed skating and raising money for his daughter Sawyer. She has been diagnosed with the rare Angelman Syndrome.

To help donate, click here.

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Dress Purple Day on Oct. 27 to Support Children's Aid Societies

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society (KHCAS) urges the community to wear purple to raise awareness for vulnerable children and families and the groups that support them on Oct. 27.

Photo courtesy of The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society.

Every October, Dress Purple Day brings awareness to the support and intervention services that are available for families through Children’s Aid Societies. Wearing purple shows that help is available and no one is alone.

“Dress Purple Day offers an opportunity to remind our local communities that the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society works together with many other social service providers to help children, youth and families facing challenges,” says Jennifer McLauchlan, KHCAS executive director. “We are wearing purple today to show children, youth and families that we care and are here to help.”

Learn more about Dress Purple Day here: https://www.oacas.org/publications-and-campaigns/dresspurpleday/.

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