It can be expensive to have a child go through cancer treatment.
Such is the case with parents Ryan and Laura MacDonald, whose toddler Hayley, is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
Although the family lives in Nanaimo, Lake Cowichan fund-raiser Lorraine Fales said that Ryan grew up in the area, and that many people know him and his parents.
“I knew him since he was this tall,” the long-time local resident said, bringing her hand down to her knee.
“There are a lot of expenses attached, so friends and family are wanting to help out,” she said.
Currently, Hayley is in Vancouver, at the Children’s Hospital, where she must stay while receiving treatment. Laura, who is pregnant with the couple’s second child, must stay in Vancouver, as well, altogether incurring a financial burden.
Thus was born the idea of a burger and beer fund-raiser at Lake Cowichan’s Cow Cafe, Saturday, October 15, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; an event Fales is organizing with fellow local fund-raiser Sherri Brubaker.
Equally enthusiastic is Cow Cafe co-owner Matt Heyne.
“Let’s try to fill this place, and get as many burgers sold as possible,” he said.
A burger and beer combo will cost $10, with all proceeds raised going to the MacDonald family.
Those that can’t attend can make a donation to an account that has been set up at Lake Cowichan’s Royal Bank; just ask to make a pledge to the “Hayley MacDonald” account.
The account will only be open for one month.