Just a few weeks ago the Knockaert family, Ray, Deecia, Dareeion, Turner, and Toree, received news that would change their lives forever. Dareeion, at ten-years-old, has been diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in his left femur, a type of cancer that affects both bone and surrounding tissue.
Dareeion had complained of pain in his left leg this May, but as he is a growing boy it was attributed to simple growing pains. When the soreness in his leg came back stronger at the end of June, they knew something wasn't right. Growing pains shouldn't cause that much pain.
Once his therapy sessions were known and the path laid out before them, friends of the Knockaert's decided they needed to do something for the family as they will need to travel a lot to be with Dareeion.
Dareeion will be in Winnipeg for therapy treatments beginning, today, Aug. 24. After 12 weeks of treatment in Winnipeg he will be moved o Vancouver. Here surgeons will replace his femur with a mechanical one, which will grow with him over time. Following this he will need final chemo treatments.
The benefit was therefore organized in a mere four days and is a testament to a small town and the surrounding community. Donations for the benefit were given by individuals and businesses from Estevan, Arcola, Carlyle, Wawota, Manor, and everywhere in between.
The benefit began at 5 p.m. on Aug. 19, held at the Manor Legion Hall. Rylan Weir was able to provide the meal, while the Manor Fire Department volunteered to assist. They were also in charge of setup and cleanup afterwards.
Close to 250 people were in attendance. Here they made cash donations, bought 50/50 tickets, participated in a Chinese auction, silent auction, and live auction. Through these means the benefit was able to raise $35,000, with donations continuing to be given. Everyone hoping to help this family in any way they can, which is greatly appreciated.
Jason and Shannon Swaenepoel, previously of Manor, held a block party in Pinawa, MB., to help the Knockaert's as well. Swaenepoel's son, Liam, had attended school with Dareeion in grade one. Showing support for Dareeion they all shaved their heads and were able to raise $1,000 for the family. Many in Pinawa don't know who Dareeion is, but they knew they wanted to help in his upcoming struggles.
If unable to make it to the benefit donations are still welcomed as the Knockaert's have a long road ahead of them. Contact Cindy Weir at 448-4531 or Digittee Morrisseau at 448-4553 to see how to help.
