Prince George is coming together to support a local family in need as one of their children battles a rare brain tumor.
In late January, one of the Souter children had an MRI due to recurring, debilitating headaches.
It turns out that the cause of the headaches was a mass in the child's head and they were flown to Vancouver Children's Hospital where the child had two brain surgeries, one for a biopsy and a second to help remove as much of the mass as safely possible.
Friend of the family Selinda Lye posted a GoFundMe to raise money for the family’s medical expenses, where she detailed some of the challenges they’ve been facing.
Lye explained the biopsy results confirmed a papillary tumor of the pineal gland, a tumor so rare that there are only about 30 cases documented in children worldwide.
She also noted the family does not want to share their child’s name to respect their privacy and confidentiality.
The Souter family was referred to a specialist for treatment in Seattle, where they were required to stay for two months, and Lye said this is significantly expensive as there are considerable costs for the family especially traveling from Prince George to the states.
“This is where we come in, as friends and family of the Souter family! If you can, please consider contributing to help alleviate some of the financial stresses they will face over the next few months and allow for their family to be able to visit each other and be together during some of the harder days,” writes Lye.
The GoFundMe has raised $15,000 of its $25,000 goal since mid-April.
However, community support for this family does not stop there as friends are also organizing a fundraiser barn dance set to take place next month.
The dance will take place at Taba Creek, on highway 16 west, on June 11 and the event will include live country music, live auction, burgers and a shuttle but attendees are encouraged to bring a chair and a cooler.
Tickets are $40.00 and all proceeds will go towards the family to cover medical expenses and tickets can be purchased through souterfundraiser@gmail.com.
