The world changed for one precious little girl on Sept. 14.
But a community came together for her soon after.
Five-year-old Gwen Kleyh was diagnosed with leukemia just days after her first day of Kindergarten. Daughter of Sarah Kleyh and step-daughter to Ken Fortier, Gwen is currently in Regina receiving chemotherapy treatments to fight this disease.
With a little girl battling a disease no one ever hopes to face, Rick Cormier and Nathan Halter set to organizing a fundraiser to help raise funds to off-set the costs associated with the long journey this family will have to take.
The benefit, which took place at the True Torq shop on Sept. 24, saw 250 to 300 people come through the doors to raise thousands of dollars to help with the costs of Gwen's battle. While some funds were raised from the sale of hamburgers, hot dogs and sausages, community support was obvious in the number of auction donations that were on display. The auction items alone meant $3,500 in money for the family.
A bouncer was placed outside for the many children that attended the event. Gwen's friends were kept busy with something to do throughout the afternoon, while parents milled inside visiting and lining the auction tables to partake in some bidding.
It was clear that people were struck by this little girl's story. It remains clear that people still are. To date, local companies, donation jars spread throughout the community and individuals have raised upwards of $25,000 for the family.
Organizer Rick Cormier said "Everyone really went all out in helping this family. The family is on the road to bringing their little girl home. She is in Regina right now and has had quite a few surgeries and transfusions and such, but I can tell you that she has less cancer cells in her body now than when she went in. So, at this point, the chemo is definitely working."
"We would just like to send out a huge thank you to everyone in this community. We had helpers from Manor School come out and do face painting. They also sold baked goods and spent time looking after the kids in the bouncy thing."
"The Rental Centre for donating all the tables, chairs, and bathroom facilities. And just to everyone that donated. There are way too many to list right now and I would hate to miss anyone. Just a huge thank you to all the local businesses and community members."
"I think everyone I know and everyone I don't know helped out hugely to comfort this family during this time. There are so many people who did so much. Some donated a lot, some a little. And it takes everyone."
If you didn't have a chance to make it out to the benefit, donations can still be dropped off at the Town of Carlyle office. Cheques should be made payable to the Town of Carlyle with Gwen Kleyh in the memo.
