Katie Eriksen and Chelsea McConnell first crossed paths over a decade ago while working at the Langford Boston Pizza. Over countless shifts and time spent outside of work, the two became close friends, going through major life milestones together B次元官网网址� meeting their husbands, facing fertility challenges, and celebrating the arrival of their first children.
But recently, EriksenB次元官网网址檚 journey took an unexpected turn. Her six-month-old daughter, Faith, was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of cancer B次元官网网址� a stage 4 malignant rhabdoid tumour that had spread to her lungs B次元官网网址� on Oct. 18.
Dismayed by the news, McConnell searched for ways to support her friendB次元官网网址檚 young family.
B次元官网网址淚 just had this need to do something,B次元官网网址� said McConnell. B次元官网网址淚 can't physically do something to help Faith but what I can do is help relieve some sort of financial burden, so this is how it started."
While brainstorming fundraising ideas, McConnell considered returning to her waitressing roots, planning to donate an eveningB次元官网网址檚 worth of earnings and tips to help the Eriksen family. After rallying a few mutual friends she reached out to the Saanich Boston Pizza and pitched the idea to management and they agreed to do it on Oct. 27.
What began as a B次元官网网址渏okeB次元官网网址� quickly snowballed into a full-fledged fundraiser. Within five days, McConnell and her friends organized a bottle drive, secured $10,000 in raffle prizes donated by local businesses, and raised in the neighbourhood of $15,000 from food and ticket sales.
In parallel to the Boston Pizza fundraiser, a page, with an initial goal of $20,000 already amassed just shy of $50,000.
Amazed by the outpouring of support coming from the Greater Victoria community, McConnell extended personal thanks to everyone who contributed, regardless of the size of their donation.
B次元官网网址淚t's again a testament to the communityB次元官网网址檚 [kindness],B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淲e received donations anywhere from $10 to $1,000. You can see how it all adds and it's all contributing to helping them.B次元官网网址�
With this money, McConnell hopes to support the young Langford family as they navigate baby Faith's cancer treatment journey.
B次元官网网址淥verwhelmed with the love and generosityB次元官网网址�
Despite the ongoing emotional roller-coaster since their daughterB次元官网网址檚 official diagnosis, Katie and her husband Ryan expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received.
B次元官网网址淲e're completely overwhelmed with the love and generosity of everyone,B次元官网网址� said Katie. B次元官网网址淚t's been amazing how much the community has come together for us. It really helped us during these times.B次元官网网址�
As they paced the halls of BC ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 intensive care unit and their hotel room daily, the couple highlighted how this support arrived at a critical moment in their lives.
B次元官网网址淚t's been helping us to stay in Vancouver and be with Faith during her treatment,B次元官网网址� said Katie. B次元官网网址淲e are unsure just about the chemotherapy management, some of the medications are not completely covered under MSP so there are possibly some extra costs added to that as well as just the travel back and forth.B次元官网网址�
As Faith underwent her first round of treatment last week, Katie and Ryan noted that she was doing better. They are now waiting for her condition to stabilize before she can be transferred to the oncology ward.
Reiterating his gratitude to every donor, Ryan emphasized the importance of listening to oneB次元官网网址檚 instincts when dealing with their babyB次元官网网址檚 health.
B次元官网网址淲e went in for potential dehydration and, next thing you know, she had a little enlarged liver and cancer. It was quite shocking,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淲e do not want to scare parents but trust your gut and seek professional help if you think something is off because you never know.B次元官网网址�
To support the Eriksens and Baby Faith, donations can be made through this GoFundMe page:.
