Zachary Pelly, 7, and Serenity Fabrick-Kequahtooway, 8, have already fought battles that most people don’t have to endure throughout their entire lives.
Both children are facing different types of cancer.
At the 31st annual student vs. teacher benefit hockey game, the community pulled together to raise money for the two families of Zachary and Serenity.
This year, a total of $13,394 was raised, that’s $6,697 for both families.
Funds came from donations, ticket purchases and a 50/50 draw.
Young students from schools around Yorkton participated in a shoot-out during the intermission of the main event, which was the student vs. teacher game.
This year’s game pitted some of Yorkton’s most talented student hockey players against their teachers.
The student players who raised the most money got to play.
Scott Yemen was one of the organizers of the event.
He said every year, a group of teachers discuss a few children who could really use some help. They then narrow it down to one or two, and that’s who they play for.
“Most of the Maulers and half of the WHL has come out to try to beat us this year,” said Yemen. “But it’s based on need, and it’s almost organic how it comes out.”
Serenity
Sharon Fabrick is Serenity’s grandmother and legal guardian. She said the family is overwhelmed and amazed at the support from the community.
“I can’t even put it into words,” she said.
Serenity was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June of 2016, and has been fighting ever since.
Fabrick said it’s been a long process, and they frequently travel back and forth to Regina for treatments, bloodwork, doctor’s appoints, MRIs and CT scans.
Despite the battle, the 8-year-old has continued to show courage.
“She is my strength. I honestly don’t think I could get through it. Anytime we’re in the hospital, she has that contagious smile that she has, always on her face,” said Fabrick. “I don’t know how she does it.”
As for Serenity, she said she’s looking forward to getting back to school.
“And I didn’t have much friends in the hospital,” she said. She said that was one of the hardest parts.
“She’s missing her childhood,” added Fabrick.
The funds raised at the hockey game will be put toward the travelling they do for Serenity’s treatment, said Fabrick.
“You still have your day-to-day, everyday expenses. Then to add going back and forth for these kinds of trips, they add up.”
Right now, the family is waiting to be sent to Edmonton for further treatment.
Zachary
Ted Quewezance is 7-year-old Zachary’s grandfather. Zachary was in Saskatoon with his mother and father for treatment during the hockey game, so Quewezance and other family members attended to represent him.
“It’s touched our hearts. People have such big hearts, especially when our children are at that age and the battle they have in front of them,” said Quewezance.
“It’s so overwhelming.”
It’s been one year since Zachary’s diagnosis. He’s now going through chemotherapy.
“He’s such a resilient little kid. So resilient he just makes you strong. You’ve just got to keep moving forward,” said Quewezance.
Zachary is completing a three-year program, and still has two years to go.
“We feel like we’ve finished the first leg, and it’s events like this that keep us going. He’d love to be here,” said Quewezance.
