An Oliver family is overwhelmed at the community support they are receiving to assist their little girl who is fighting cancer.
Several local citizens participated in a successful fundraiser last Friday evening that assisted Lynnea Holmstrom, age 2, and her family.
The event was called Haircuts for Holmstrom.
“When I first heard from Hanna and Zach that they wanted to create a fundraiser for my daughter it really touched my heart. “To think that someone we had never met wanted to create a fundraiser for Lynnea,” said Alanea Holmstrom. “I was really overcome with emotion at times to see all the people who just want to help.”
At the tender age of two years, Oliver’s Lynnea Holmstrom has had to endure more pain then a vast majority of children her age. In fact, NeNe, as she is affectionately known, has had to deal with more than most adults.
The brave little girl has already been forced to stage the biggest fight of her life. She is battling acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
However, if a fundraiser, held this past Friday at the Oliver Canadian Tire is any indication, it’s a fight she will not go through alone.
Young Lynnea has a lot of friends.
Friday’s fundraiser, organized by Oliver residents Hanna Ellis and Zach Raposo, with special behind the scenes help from Andi Lantz, was a huge success, raising a total of $1,452.30.
Alanea admits her family’s lives have changed in many ways since that day Lynnea was diagnosed with cancer, and now, the family’s schedules revolve around Lynnea’s care.
“Prior to Lynnea’s diagnosis we were a family with two incomes and now that is no longer the case. We really need to plan out our finances and prioritize as the constant travel back and forth to the Children’s Hospital can really add up, along with everything Lynnea needs,” stated Alanea.
While times may be tough at the moment, financially, and emotionally, Alanea indicates there is hope for Lynnea’s future.
“Lynnea is doing so well and we are working very hard keep her healthy and happy.”
Lynnea still has approximately 18 months of chemotherapy treatments ahead of her.
During Haircuts for Holmstrom, there was a continuous stream of people stopping by to show support. Some got their hair cut. Some just put money in the jar and continued on their way.
“Like many people here, I like to shop locally, and to get out for local events. I was going to the grocery store, I saw local business people, volunteering their evening, raising money for a great local cause. What a great opportunity to have some fun, to help out, to hang out with cool people, and to stop looking like Art Garfunkel,” said Oliver’s Jaret Blidook, who challenged Linda Gray of Nu Beginnings to trim his locks. “A girl and a family going through a really hard time. Hmm. Hits pretty close to home. When locals support locals, we grow. We grow as individuals, and we grow as a community. That is what we’re all about.”
While stylists Monica Nemes and Jo from Innervisions, Leonard Dyke from Osoyoos, and Linda Gray and Helena from Nu Beginnings spent three hours of their Friday night providing free haircuts, Lynnea watched most of the proceedings from comforting clutches of her mother, unsure of what was taking place and what her future has in store.
“I am so appreciative for all the love and support we have had from the community,” added Aleana. “I really just want to thank Hanna and Zach so much and I wish you all the best in your futures. I know you will both do very well in your lives.”
The family has also started a YouCaring page for anyone who would like to send Lynnea a donation, it is called Lynnea’s Journey: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/lynnea-s-journey/206714 Lynnea also has a Facebook page called: Supporting Lynnea “NeNe” Holmstrom.
Dale Cory
Oliver Chronicle
