After surviving two kinds of cancer at 14 years old, the hope would be Leora Wildi, now 18, would be well on her way to a full recovery but that's not so for her.
Most cancer survivors who had chemotherapy, radiation, potent drugs and a bone marrow transplant to combat the disease now have to deal with the after-effects of what helped to save their lives in the first place.
The major battle for Wildi, who now uses a wheelchair to get around most days, comes from the bone marrow transplant to save her life. She developed chronic Graft vs Host disease where basically the new bone marrow attacks the rest of her body. There are medications to control that but they have terrible side effects.
"So to try and correct these side effects, my oncologist put me on a drug called imatinib to see if it would help," said Wildi. "After 18 months we know for sure it has helped. Some things are getting better and everything else is maintaining a status quo, which has been uncommon in my world since I was diagnosed four years ago."
Because the drug is not covered by any form of medical plan and it's quite costly, Wildi has gratefully accepted support from the community to help fund the cost. There have been anonymous donors and ongoing support from staff and students at Prince George secondary, where Wildi goes to school.
Friday the 13th might be unlucky for some but not so for Wildi as there's a fundraiser to help offset the cost of the imatinib at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club.
"It never ceases to amaze me, how a community can come together and rally behind a person," said Wildi. "I am very grateful for all the support my community has given me over the past four years. It really has made a huge difference and I honestly don't know if I would've done as well as I have without it. Even though I am technically done my cancer treatment, my treatment is not over."
A team of organizers from the school district, PGSS and the Prince George Golf and Curling Club have arranged the Leora Wildi Fundraiser where guests will enjoy a dinner, dance and silent auction on Friday, June 13 starting at 5:30 p.m.
Up for grabs during the silent auction and draws held throughout the evening will be a variety of items including restaurant gift certificates, hanging baskets, candle sets, jewelry, jackets, house cleaning gift certificates and a few surprises.
"I would really like to say thank you to everyone who is going to the fundraiser, even though I may not know you and you may not know me," said Wildi. "You may not think one person can make that big of a difference but you can. You are changing my life and that is something I can't really thank anyone enough for."
Call one of the organizers,Tania Kroot, at 250-617-5515 to donate silent auction items or for tickets in advance as the club needs a head count for dinner at the event. Tickets are $30 each with $10 going directly to fund the medication needed by Wildi, as well all proceeds from the silent auction and draws.
Bites of Bliss Cakery, inside the Coast Inn of the North at 770 Brunswick Street, is also fundraising for Wildi with proceeds from all Cherry Coke cupcakes sold in June going to help offset the cost of the medication.
