Bradford teen Daleyn MacIsaac continues to deal with a gruelling treatment regimen, as she battles a rare autoimmune disease.
MacIsaac was diagnosed with ANCA Vasculitis this summer. Instead of starting her first year in high school, getting together with friends and enjoying a carefree year, she and her family have been driving down to Toronto to the Hospital for Sick Children every other day for treatment.
She has been undergoing dialysis to stabilize her condition, which was attacking both her kidneys and lungs, and will need a kidney transplant.
It has all put a strain on Daleyn and her family – but the support they have been receiving from the community is helping them cope with both medical and financial challenges.
On Friday, there was another example of that support. Bradford Firefighters and the new Sherwin-Williams paint store in Bradford joined forces to present Daleyn and her father Dale MacIsaac with a cheque for nearly $700 – funds raised at the Grand Opening of the Sherwin-Williams store through a barbecue hosted by BWG Fire & Emergency Services and matched by Sherwin-Williams.
The cheque was presented by Marketing Manager Jarid Savoy and his staff, and full-time firefighters Nicole Higgins and Zak Katz, who arrived at the store in a fire truck.
“Sherwin-Williams provided all the barbecue materials,” said Higgins. “It’s nice to be able to give back. Our Association (International Association of Fire Fighters) has been able to reach out to more and more families that have asked for help.”
She told the MacIsaacs, “We know you guys are having a hard time… It’s tough.”
Savoy added his own best wishes and that of his staff, noting that the support is part of Sherwin-Williams commitment to community, and encouraging the MacIsaacs to contact the store, “If there’s anything we can do.”
“This has been an amazing community,” said dad Dale MacIsaac. He said that the family has met others struggling with life-threatening illnesses while at Sick Kids. “It breaks your heart when you go down and see all the little kids,” he said.
Daleyn was between treatments when she dropped into the store to accept the gift. “Everybody’s been so kind,” she said. “You are amazing.”
“To be part of this community – it’s awesome,” said her dad.
The family has launched a Go Fund Me page, to help cover costs. Another fundraiser for Daleyn is coming up at Bradford Underground Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 7, organized by a group of local moms. Bowling for Daleyn will start at 5:30 p.m., a family-friendly event that will include three games of bowling, pizza, popcorn, Unicorn and My Little Pony Mascots, air brush tattoos and balloon twisting courtesy of Daelyn’s mom, Minerva MacIsaac of Minerva’s Creations, all for only $30..
There will also be a Silent Auction and raffle.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. To purchase tickets, donate items for the Silent Auction or for more information email [email protected].
