Donald Teuma-Castelletti
BRYSON Jan. 12, 2019
One family from the Pontiac saw what it really means to be a part of a community, especially as they experience one of the toughest ordeals that they can go through.
Bryson’s Forest Inn was packed to the gills Saturday afternoon, as folks from all over stopped in to help support Hartland Stewart, Kim Ladouceur and their three children through a range of fundraising initiatives.
Recently, Ladouceur was diagnosed with cancer and has had to take time off work to undergo treatment. As the family has one son who requires extra care, Stewart has also had to take time off, putting financial strain on them.
Event organizer Claudette Stanton, who has known the family for many years, threw the fundraiser together within the last few weeks and immediately had an enormous response from the community.
“It’s hard to mention names because there’s so much from generous people,” said Stanton, of everybody who helped.
Whether it be submitting items for the silent auction, helping to organize the afternoon, preparing and serving food, performing music, or just simply making a donation, Stanton was proud to see such a response for a local family.
Although, from her description of them, it should come as no surprise that they’ve received the level of support that they have. Stanton describes Ladouceur as a loving mother with the utmost patience and kindness for everyone. She described Stewart as a humble man who loves his family and would never hesitate to help someone else in need.
“That’s the way they are,” said Stanton. “If you were in trouble, a flat tire on your car, he’d be under your car fixing it. She’s the same.”
These sentiments were echoed by Relics Leach, Rose Gravelle, and Jennifer Leach, who had stepped up to run the kitchen. Relics had gone to school with Ladouceur and said she has always been there for anyone in a time of need, while Gravelle added that the couple were always the first to lend a helping hand.
While Ladouceur was unable to attend the event, Stewart and their three children were in attendance and couldn’t believe the turnout that they had. Both Emily and Andrew Stewart kept their thanks brief while speaking to the crowd in the early afternoon, but Trent Stewart had prepared a speech to share.
“My family feels loved and supported by your kind gestures,” said Trent. “Thanks for all of the support that the community has shown us.”
He continued to give the group an update on what has been going on in their lives, sharing the difficulties of being a student while still visiting his mom at the hospital as often as he can, since she was admitted after the holidays. Trent praised his father for his unwavering support of him and his siblings during this period, as well.
Trent finished up with how he had enjoyed his 16th birthday the day before the gathering, sharing how he kept his mom in the loop with everything happening and how they celebrated.
“I Snapchatted my mom, I’d say about 30 to 40 pictures from my birthday party,” said Trent. “It was a fun evening.”
Hartland, like two of his children, kept his thank-you short and sweet while addressing the crowd, but did say afterwards that the turnout was unbelievable.
“There aren’t enough words to describe this,” said Hartland.
In total, over $15,000 was raised for the Stewart family and donations are still being accepted. Those interested in contributing can do so by reaching out to Stanton, Relics Leach, Gravelle, Lucienne Lasalle or Denise Geremian.
