Nine-year-old Brayden Whyte is like so many other boys his age. His smiling face and positive, loving personality help raise the spirits of fellow students and teachers at Cold Lake Elementary School (CLES). Brayden's outlook and demeanor are an example for everyone, said his Grade 3 teacher Lisa Gingras.
However, unlike many of the boys his age, Brayden was born with Down syndrome and at the age of five was diagnosed with terminal Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. With almost no mobility, Brayden is often confined to a wheelchair and both he and his family face daily challenges.
Despite these challenges, Brayden's mother Christine said her son maintains his “positive and sweet nature.”
In an effort to alleviate some of these challenges the family faces while also increasing Brayden's quality of life, money is being raised to purchase a wheelchair accessible van.
Christine said, “Without a cure, our family is now focused on helping Brayden live his life to the fullest.”
She said the van would allow Brayden to attend friends' celebrations, family vacations, community events as well as his personal medical appointments.
“He could attend things like his brother's hockey games,” Christine explained. “Most importantly, he would be able to take part in the activities he wishes to be a part of, that all children participate in.”
The total cost of the van is $50,000 and up until this past week over $40,000 of the total goal had been raised. Students and staff at CLES raised $20,000 through several campaigns, while the Alberta government recently provided a $20,000 grant.
Another significant chunk of change was added to the pot this past Wednesday, when employees of Cobra Maintenance and Husky's Tucker Thermal Project held a barbecue fundraiser at the Husky plant employee patio.
Though Brayden was not able to attend the afternoon barbecue, his mother and teacher were in attendance, socializing and selling 50/50 tickets.
After the money was counted and a few personal donations were added to the total, a cheque was presented to Brayden's mother in the amount of $4,546.
“It's just amazing,” said Christine. “The kindness of others is just overwhelming.”
One of the organizers of the barbecue, Cobra's superintendent Nick Dmyterko, said the moment word passed through the office regarding Brayden and his family's situation, co-workers got together and started planning a fundraiser.
“We wanted to do all we could to help Brayden and his family out,” said Dmyterko. “Everyone we approached about helping with the fundraiser was open and willing to offer what they could.”
Dmyterko said he hoped the actions of a few would help generate action from others.
“We want to see this snowball,” he said. “We are blessed to live and work here and it's in us to give back to our fellow human. Maybe this will spur on more help for Brayden and his family or even other families in need.”
Local company Solus Medical Manufacturing has already stepped up and donated patented foam pads for Brayden's wheelchair to prevent pressure sores and other effects of remaining seated for significant periods of time.
“We never expected kindness like this,” said Christine, following the barbecue. “Brayden is at home today but I can just imagine the smile on his face.”
