Desiree Visser is a vibrant 11-year-old student of Cedar Grove Elementary school. To everyone who knows her, she is a happy, healthy, enthusiastic young girl who walks around with a big smile on her face and is renowned for her big, warm, welcoming hugs.
What a lot of people do not know is that Desiree has been living with a brain tumour for several years. The tumour cannot be removed as it is wrapped around her brain stem, and removal would pose great danger. She has already had several surgeries to relieve pressure on her brain caused by the tumour, but her journey is just beginning. Desiree will soon begin 18 months of chemotherapy in Vancouver and possibly radiation treatment in Winnipeg. The goal is to shrink the tumour to reduce the damage caused to her brain.
Throughout all this, Desiree continues to have a smile on her face and spends her time encouraging others to be happy. Desiree's family are committed to giving her the best care possible, but their health care does not cover all associated costs for Desiree's proposed treatment plan. To help with medical bills, there will be a Valentine's Dance on Feb. 14 at the Gibsons Legion (adults only). This is a fundraising event, and all profits will be given to the Visser family. The family plan to create a fund for Desiree's treatment. Tickets for this event are $20, available at the school office or from Rainbow Room Hair Salon at Pier 17 in Davis Bay. If you cannot make the dance and wish to make a donation, you can do so at the Rainbow Room Hair Salon.
