LAWRENCETOWN, N.S. - Lawrencetown and District Lions Club recently hosted an event that benefitted a special child and his family.
The club held a benefit pancake breakfast for Jack Fucsek, a four-year-old boy with Bilateral Frontoparietal Polymicrogyria, which means he has many small folds in his brain. Quadriplegic cerebral palsy is his secondary diagnosis.
But Jack is so much more than his diagnosis. He is a happy, smiley, social and charismatic child who loves showing off his talking computer and being around classmates and friends.
Organizers had hoped to raise $3,000 for a much-needed P pod chair to allow Jack a comfortable seating option. The outpouring of generosity was humbling. In total, at press time, $6,687.36 was collected from free-will donations, a silent auction and a 50/50 draw and donations are still coming in.
The doors opened at 8 a.m. and for two hours the fire hall was filled. The Lions were scrambling to fill all the pancake orders but it was a labour of love. An overwhelming sense of pride could be felt as this small community came together to help this family.
Also, while canvassing local businesses for prizes for the silent auction, a generous benefactor decided to purchase the P Pod chair for Jack. After discussing a needs assessment with Jack’s family, it was determined the money raised would go towards a Gait Trainer ($2,900) and a rolling floor mount ($1,435) for his eye gaze talking computer. The Gait Trainer will hold Jack in an upright position so he can walk and play with his classmates. The rolling floor mount will allow Jack to communicate with his computer securely held while using any piece of equipment. The remaining funds will go towards a toileting system ($2,125).
Jack’s family and the Lawrencetown and District Lions Club thank everyone for use of facilities and everyone for their generous support. The response was overwhelming and if you looked carefully at the event you would see a few tears. What a proud moment to be a member of this small community with a big heart.
