Help support Annabelle at Saturday fundraiser

January 22, 2016 · 0 Comments

A parent’s worst nightmare came true for Melissa and Tyler Pinkney at the beginning of December.

Their beautiful two-and-a-half year old daughter, Annabelle, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma Cancer with a tumor being found on her right adrenal gland.

It has been a roller coaster since Annabelle became ill the beginning of December with a shaking condition.

At first, test results indicated it was possibly a rare side effect of a Strep virus contracted through a bout of Tonsillitis. Through follow up visits to Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital, it was determined that Annabelle’s shaking and balance issues are a result of her immune system being compromised and attacking her nervous system.

Annabelle underwent surgery on January 4th at Sick Kids Hospital where the mass on her adrenal gland was removed.

However, she may still have to undergo Chemotherapy.

Prior to the surgery, little Annabelle was receiving doses of steroids to assist with the shaking.

The process required a minimum one week stay at Sick Kids hospital.

As a result of Annabelle’s diagnosis, her father, Tyler, has had to take time off work. There have been long stays at the Delta Chelsea Hotel while their baby girl was in the hospital, not to mention the travel expenses driving back and forth so they could also spend time with their one year old son Noah and their dogs, as well as meals on the road.

These sudden unforeseen expenses are not covered by OHIP and started to quickly add up faster than the family could keep up with them.

With the costs ramping up and with nowhere else to turn, Annabelle’s mom, Melissa, started a Go Fund Me page on January 1 with the hopes of raising $5,000. At the time of writing $15,420 had been raised by 176 people.

That might sound like a lot, however the visits to Sick Kids Hospital, the hotel stays, drives to Toronto, and then back to Shelburne, as well as meals on the go, are far from over.

That’s why friends have decided to hold a fundraiser at the Shelburne Legion in the Museum room from 10-4 on Saturday, January 23.

There will be vendors as well as baked goods and other items for sale as well as a raffle table with all monies raised going directly to the family.

As any parent can imagine the Pinkney’s are still in a state of shock and disbelief and are asking how could this happen to their sweet little Annabelle.

They are humbled and so appreciative of everyone who has reached out already and are so thankful that Annabelle is loved so much.

By Michelle Janzen