Last August, Lorissa, the perfectly healthy 12 year old granddaughter of Steve Weber and Cheryl Campbell, suddenly developed severe headaches.
She was quickly diagnosed with a rare cancerous brain tumour about the size of a large walnut close to her optic nerve.
After two surgeries, months of chemotherapy, along with a stem cell transplant, she has now just completed seven weeks of radiation. All that took place at the Toronto Sick Kids Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.
Lorissa is one of a handful of patients identified and the first to be treated at Sick Kids for that type of cancer in this location.
In early January, as a pleasant distraction for Lorissa and her two younger sisters, her parents had a beautiful baby boy.
The family has received tremendous support from the Canadian Cancer Society, but there is always a ceiling for the amount of financial help they can receive.
Costs associated with overnight stays such as food, parking, gas, and many lost days of work have put enormous financial stress on the young family.
Support from close family members and friends have helped ease the burden, but they continue to feel the effects along with other unforeseen expenses related to the disease.
Lorissa was unable to go to school this past year and has been enjoying home schooling for the past three months. She is gaining strength and better health every day.
She is looking forward to the summer and returning to school this fall into grade 8, reuniting with her friends and enjoying a normal routine after a challenging year.
Organizers are asking area residents to show their support and join them on June 27 for an afternoon of music and fun that this unforgettable experience in Lorissa’s journey had a purpose and is now over.
Music is provided by: B&C Bluegrass Connection (Gary and Nadine Boles, Adam and Cara Croll, and Darin Parise) with a guest appearance by Backroads Band.
A benefit barbecue and and beverages are being provided by the Centre Wellington Optimist Club of Fergus. Donations may also be made at any TD Canada Trust branch to Account 077-6334694.
