A young Quyon girl may soon have a medical device to help her breathe easier thanks to the generosity of her community.
On Saturday, more than 80 people participated in a poker run in support of Ava Baron, 5, who has cystic fibrosis. The disease is genetic and causes mucus to accumulate in the afflicted person’s lungs, and can also cause issues with the intestines, liver and kidneys.
Ava’s family is looking to purchase a percussion vest, a device which vibrates the user’s chest in order to loosen up mucus in the users lungs, allowing them to clear their airways and breathe easier.
In total, the day brought in $5,352 towards the vest. Ava’s father Marc Baron said that he was blown away by the support from the people of Quyon.
“The fact that the community is that involved and willing to help anybody who’s in need, it’s a miracle really,” he said.
Baron said that the vests are typically in the range of $15,000 new, but said they were looking into refurbished ones online for a more affordable price.
Organizer Paul Desjardins said that when he heard about the family and their goal to get a vest, he wanted to help. Having organized poker runs for various organizations in the past, he got the family’s permission and got down to business.
“When I heard it was a friend of mine’s niece, I said ‘Ok, I’m going to organize a poker run,’” he said. “It was all put together in about 24 hours.”
Desjardins thanked the numerous sponsors, as well as his wife Elizabeth, for their help making the event a success. He added that Gavans Hotel, the start and end point of the run, provided the spaghetti supper for the group as well. The route took participants from Quyon up to the Legion in Campbell’s Bay, to Scooters Bar and Grill in Otter Lake, down to the Ladysmith Hotel and back to Quyon.
Desjardins said that he hoped the money would help Ava and her family get the tools they need to help her breathe easier.
“I don’t know how they’re going to do it but it gets them on their way,” he said. “I’m happy, very good turnout.”
Ava’s mother Britney Lloyd was wiping away tears as the cheque was presented, and thanked her neighbours for their generosity.
“We’re eternally grateful for everything. It’s overwhelming,” she said.
First place was won by Pete Erwin, second went to Donald McCann and third was Jeff Young. The 50/50 of $1,582 was won by Pamela Malette.
