Katelynn Hallet was born on Sept 11, 2011. She was born with a very rare condition only seen nine times throughout the world where she was born without a lining dividing her trachea from her esophagus.
She needs assistance to both eat and breathe because of this condition.
Surgeons are hoping that through multiple surgeries that they can build a lining and make it possible for Katelynn to eat and breath on her own.
Her parents Tami and Daniel Hallet are determined to stay close to their child and have taken up residence in the Ronald McDonald House near the IWK hospital where Katelynn has just finished her first surgery and is preparing for her second.
It is expected that Katelynn will need to be at the hospital for many months to come.
The local community, realizing the financial pressures of the parents who are unable to work while watching over their daughter have rallied together through various fundraisers to show support.
Recently, a fundraising karaoke night was held at the Sea Dog Saloon in Shelburne where $1300 was raised through cover fees as well as a portion of drink costs donated by owner Allan Reid.
Other fundraising efforts include a chance to win a free photo shoot with local photographer Robin Smith with every donation (minimum $5).
“I know the family and couldn’t imagine what it is they are going through,” said Smith.
She will be drawing the winner in early November.
Billie-Jo Bond who runs Molding Memories has also used her skills in an effort to raise funds. She created an online auction through her Facebook page with many of her creations including 3D molds and life casts as well as handmade giftware and keepsakes.
While the auction has ended, she is still waiting till all the money comes in to guess a total.
“I chose to raise money for Katie’s (parents) because with the long list of worries and concerns a parent of a sick child has; money should not have to be one of those worries. They should be able to be with their angel while she is in the hospital and not have to worry about mortgage payments or car payments back home.”
Bond has also decided to spend the week making gift baskets to place in high traffic stores across town in order to help raise money. Each ticket to enter to win the basket will be $1.
“I don’t have a lot of money to give but this is something I can do to help…and every little bit helps,” said Bond.
When Bond began her auction, other online vendors were quick to donate items as well.
One person donated a hand made quilt and then was so touched by this young baby’s story that has already planned out a special quilt for Katelynn.
“We are a strong community that really pulls together for another community member in need,” said Bond.
There has been an account set up for the Hallet family at the Scotia Bank if anyone is interested in donating for this cause or can visit http://ahelpinghandforkatelynn.wordpress.com/ to donate.
