The world changed on Sept. 14 for a five-year child and her loving family. With the first days of Kindergarten just underway, Gwen, daughter of Sarah Kleyh and step-daughter to Ken Fortier, was diagnosed with leukemia.
Family and friends have said that this little girl has held her head high while undergoing this already long and draining process. Immediately following the diagnosis, Gwen was rushed to Regina for a blood transfusion, in addition to the numerous tests that would follow.
She will be undergoing chemotherapy while residing in the children's ward of the General Hospital until she reaches remission, at which point she will be allowed to return home to join her family in Kenosee. Gwen will be required to continue to make trips back and forth to the city in order to receive treatments.
Gwen's stepfather, Ken Fortier, has worked as a tong technician at True Torq Power Tongs for the past couple of years. As a result, a benefit is being hosted by the company in order to raise the much needed funds that will be required by this young girl to fight this horrible disease.
The benefit is scheduled to take place at the True Torq shop, located 2.4 kilometres north of Carlyle on highway 9, on Sept. 24 starting at 3 p.m. Hamburgers, sausages and hotdogs will be available to those in attendance. Whether you wish to buy one for two dollars or two hundred dollars, it is completely up to you.
All of the food is donated by True Torq so all proceeds with be going to the family in need. Cormier said "We are just looking for people to help this young family out. They have very big bills and troubles to deal with and we are just trying to do whatever we can to help them out."
Moose Mountain Mud will be supplying the barbecue, along with stocking the cooler in support of the benefit. A number of local businesses have already offered up donations that will be used as door prizes or as part of the silent auction.
Anybody wishing to donate, please contact Rick Cormier at 577-8833, Nathan Halter at 575-7616 or Ashley Corrigan at 577-8311. Tax receipts can and will be issued upon request.
If for some reason you can't make it out to the benefit, donations can be dropped off at the Town of Carlyle office or you can contact one of the individuals listed above. Cheques are to made payable to the Town of Carlyle with Gwen Kleyh in the memo.
"True Torq Power Tongs, family and friends would like to take this time to say thank you in advance for all donations to helping this little girl in this heart-wrenching time."
