Shania's Sunflower of Hope

Here's an event that is near and dear to my heart, and I urge everyone to help me support this.  As most of you know, I spend my weekend mornings coaching girls' hockey.  Last year I had the opportunity to coach a special young girl named Shannon.  Shannon was focused, determined and passionate about the sport, working extra hard between games to improve her skating and her shot.  She became our team's most improved player, and I'll never forget the smile on her face after her first goal.  I learned at the end of the year, that Shannon had faced a personal tragedy just a few years ago.  Often we take life for granted.  We see our children playing, competing and maturing, we forget that some children don't have that luxury.  This tragedy puts life into perspective.   

 

Shannon's older sister, Shania was a normal and healthy 8 year old girl, who had a real love for life. She loved swimming, playing hockey and gymnastics. Shania wanted to be a Teacher when she grew up and loved School and her friends. In June 2006, Shania was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma stage 4 - a rare and deadly form of cancer. She had a tumor removed from the inside of her skull which was putting pressure on the main artery to her brain. She underwent 7 cycles of Chemotherapy in total and had one of her adrenal glands removed. The adrenal gland being the spot where the cancer metastasized from. The cancer had also spread to her bone marrow in her spine, on her pelvis and legs. Shania underwent a bone marrow transplant just before Christmas 2006 and was in remission for 4 months, until mid April, when she relapsed with this terrible disease. Her bone marrow had not recovered enough to continue with further chemo treatments the cancer spread quickly in Shania and went into her lungs.

Shania fought this cancer with a grace and determination that was inspiring. She had started her fund-raising one misty day in August of 2006 with her friend Bronwyn. They made up some beaded necklaces, bracelets and key chains. They put their price lists in plastic zip-lock bags, set up a table and went at selling them. All the neighbours bought some. One neighbour went to work and got 64 orders. Shania decided to call her fund-raising endeavours "Shania's Sunflower of Hope", sunflowers being Shania's favourite flower. Shania started the fund-raising because she wanted to help children with Neuroblastoma.

This courageous little girl who loved sunflowers had a vibrant personality and lively spirit.  She decided to organize a Spring Fun Fair. With the help of her family, friends and school, they created Shania’s Sunflower of Hope Fun Fair at the Markham Fairgrounds. The Fun Fair is an opportunity for a fun-filled, family-friendly day that will raise money for neuroblastoma research without taking a heavy toll on families’ wallets. At the fun fair you can experience a wide assortment of games, sports challenges, bounce on a wide variety of inflatables, facepainting, crazy balloon hats, great food and wide variety of local entertainment. On July 19, 2007, shortly after her first Fun Fair, Shania passed away.  I cannot imagine the pain Shayne, Karen and Shannon have continued to live through.  They've gathered strength by continuing Shania's dream - to hold the fair annually and raise money to fight the deadly disease.  2012 marks the fair's sixth anniversary. To date, Shania’s fundraising activities have generated over  $250,000. All net proceeds generated through Shania's Sunflower of Hope are donated to neuroblastoma research at Sick Kids Hospital.

 

This year, Shania’s Sunflower Of Hope will take place on April 28, 2012 at the Markham Fair Grounds. I have committed to supporting this event this year, and in the future, and am asking for your support in making Shania’s dream come true. Tickets to the fair are only $9 per person or $35 per family of six.  There are games, prizes, and entertainment.  Please let me know how you would like to help Shania's Sunflower of Hope and The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research at the Hospital for Sick Children accomplish its purpose and find a cure for neuroblastoma.  We would love to see you there on April 28th, however if you can't make it out a monetary donation or item for the silent auction would be greatly appreciated.  Let's help Shania's dream become reality! 

Thank you in advance for your generous support of an event that really should bring out every family.  Please help spread the word and let's make this event bigger and better than previous years!

Asif

 

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan