The Living Pink Balloon Is September 5th, 2009

Aug. 6, 2009 - PRLog -- Tanya Gray, Lead Organizer spoke first. "September 1st, 2008, Hollie was rushed to Northumberland Hills Hospital after we as her parents found her unresponsive. The paramedics arrived and after resuscitating her, put her in the ambulance. Her heart had stopped on the way to the hospital and another ambulance/paramedic team was called to meet us at County Road 9 and Highway 45. They started her heart again at NHH she was quickly rushed into emerg where, after numerous tests, they had seen a "mass" on her brain and she was transferred by ambulance to Toronto Sick Kids Hospital. When we arrived at Sick Kids we were told that there was no function to her brain. Her brain had swelled and she was clinically "brain dead". She had no reaction to pain. There was nothing that would suggest that she was still alive.

What most don't understand that, as a mother and you see your child's chest rise and fall with each breath. Logically you think that they are still alive. Brain death means death.

We were then approached by Trillium Gift of Life organ donation. Where with all of our family and close friends present, we decided to honour Hollie's spirit and memory and give her gifts of life so that other families would not have to go through what we were going through then. This event is not only for Hollie, but also for all those parents of children with unexplainable symptoms who are not getting answers."

At which point Daryl Crowe, Lead Organizer spoke. "This is Brenna, she was diagnosed with craniopharyngioma or pituitary tumour in February of 2008. Her early symptoms were unexplained vomiting then head pain. After many trips to the hospital and after her health continued to decline, I had her back in the Emergency Room. She stopped breathing after the 3rd seizure, but recovered on her own. These early symptoms were caused by fluid and swelling of the brain.

Finally, the hospital ordered a CT Scan. We were then air-lifted to Sick Kids for treatment. To date, Brenna has had 2 surgeries and received Chemo twice. And as you can see, she is doing very well, and is leading an almost normal life.

We can't stress this enough, if the local hospital was more aware of the brain and behaviour, we would have not have come so close to losing her. The care and attention of the doctors and nurses at Sick Kids to Hollie, Brenna, and both our families deserve recognition."

We understand that there are many causes and people are stretched thin but Sick Kids has touched everyone in some way. So please come out and help us give back.

The hope of The Living Pink Balloon is to gather 500 people in one place as a symbol of solidarity in support of Sick Kids Foundation. All of the proceeds are going to brain and behaviour research. With everyone wearing pink T-shirts we will form a Living Pink Balloon. The concept is based on the idea of the Living Green Ribbon, created by the Trillium Gift of Life Foundation.

Our deadline for sales of T-shirts is August 20th as the T-shirts are being ordered on the 21st.

Tickets for T-shirts are available in Alderville at The Scissors Edge and Our House Snack 'n' Go and in Cobourg at Herbal Magic. T-shirts will not be available for purchase on the day of the event. You can also contact any one of the following Committee Members to order your T-shirts:

Tanya Gray - tanya002@xplornet.com
Daryl Crowe - daryl.crowe@sympatico.ca
Julie Bothwell - jewellbug70@live.com
Chris Pelletier - info@northumberlandview.ca
Dave Mowatt - dmowat@eagle.ca
Kristy Barlow - kbarlow9@hotmail.com
Chad Miller - chad.miller@live.ca

This is a not for profit fund-raiser with all proceeds going to the Sick Kids Foundation, Brain and Behaviour research. Our goal with the sale of 500 T-shirts is $10,000. If anyone would like to make a financial donation, you can do so at any Scotiabank Branch Transit # 95562 Account # 0427128.

Tax Reciepts are available for monetary donations over $20.00.

We are looking for donations of prizes for draw prizes as well as monetary donations. We are also looking for volunteers to help out on the day of the event. Any students looking for community service hours are welcome to contact us.

The day will begin with the Opening Ceremony at 9:00am on September 5th.
Registration starts at 9:00am and runs until 11:30am
The formation of the Balloon will be at 12:00pm

If there is anyone willing to take an aerial photograph of The Living Pink Balloon we would appreciate their involvement.

Another event will be held in support of The Living Pink Balloon

Jimbob and the Sweetgrass band are hosting an afternoon of Bluegrass music on August 16th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm in support of The Living Pink Balloon. All are invited to attend an afternoon of relaxation. Bring your lawn chair. Admission is $5.00. There will be food and a silent auction.

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