A fundraiser event held in the community of Stoughton on the evening of Sat., March 10, saw more than $45,000 raised for the young woman and her family.
It was short weeks ago that Shanara Gall, a 19-year-old woman from near Stoughton, was diagnosed with an extremely aggressive and dangerous form of leukemia.
Due to the aggressiveness of the illness, Gall immediately had surgery to remove the tumour, and is now undergoing a heavy chemotherapy regime.
Because the next step of her treatment will see her moved out of the province for stem cell therapy and bone marrow transplants, several local people put together the fundraiser to help offset the costs of travel and housing family members will be facing as they travel with Shanara.
Held at the Memorial Hall in Stoughton, the space was packed by a sold-out crowd of people.
Served a dinner, which attendee Eleanor Grahm referred to as 'Simply fantastic!' guests crowded around the display of auction and raffle goods donated by individuals, companies, and organizations throughout the region.
With live music performed by several artists including the well known CJ Katz, the mood was festive and the good spirits showed in the generous financial support the fundraiser garnered.
"We raised almost $50,000 over the course of the night," said Keith Tramer, the individual responsible for organizing the dinner. "People were really involved, and the auctions were fantastic."
Of particular note was a tray of cupcakes, donated to the evening.
"One person said he was going to bid $1,000 on the cupcakes," Tramer laughed. "And the cupcakes went for $1,000."
Also at the auction was a Jordan autographed game jersey, which sold for $2,000, as well as an autographed photo of Mohammed Ali, which sold for $1,500.
The Carlyle Detachment of the RCMP had donated an authentic RCMP dress Stetson hat, an item which went for a bid of $500, and two brave individuals offered the opportunity to shave their heads for the highest bidders.
"Rory Clark, from Stoughton Family Foods, always wears his hair long," Tramer explained. "He's kind of a notorious hippy."
"He ended up raising about $1,500 for shaving his head, and another fellow, from the Weyburn area, did the same and raised another $1,500."
While the total breakdown of earnings wasn't available at the time of this writing, Tramer was nonetheless impressed with the spirit and support that came out of the community.
"It was just fantastic," Tramer said. "Everyone enjoyed the music and live auction, and they really pitched in to help a good cause."
The auction was run by the family members of Paslawski Auction, who donated their time for the event.
As for Shanara, she continues to be under the care of Dr. Salim and Dr. Chai who are her oncologists.
Her neurologist is Dr. Zwai, and Dr. Warren in Weyburn is the "amazing angel" who got Shanara quick-lined to surgery and treatment, most possibly saving her life.
As of the last report from Shanara's family, Shanara is bearing up well in her treatment.
Shanara would like to remind everyone to visit their local blood bank / Canadian Blood Services office as transfusions are a huge part of the treatment for her and many others in advanced care / treatment situations.
