Four and a half year old Rylan Johnstone is much closer to getting the stem cell therapy his family hopes will restore his sight in China, with more than $13,000 raised for the cause so far.
Ultimately $40,000 is needed to make the trip and the treatment possible, but the Johnstone family is overwhelmed at the support received to date.
"We are completely humbled by the support we've received so far. Our whole family is humbled at how fast this is going," Rylan's grandma Alison Johnstone said.
Rylan can not see, talk or walk on his own, but his family is hopeful stem cell therapy will greatly improve his quality of life.
There has been some evidence of improvement in sight and muscle control after stem cell therapy is performed and the Johnstones feel making the trip to China for the therapy is their last hope to improve Rylan's situation.
Since Coast Reporter ran an article in September featuring Rylan and the family's fundraising campaign titled Rylan's Fight For Sight, hundreds have become involved in the cause. Donations big and small have been coming in and the family reports great response to their recent penny and bottle drive at Gibsons Elementary School and coffee night event at Wheatberries in Gibsons. The bottle and penny drive brought in $1,700 including $170 in pennies collected by teacher Karen Webb's Grade 1 class.
"Those are the students Rylan will go to school with one day so that was really heartwarming to see how they all want to help him," Alison said.
Wheatberries' event brought in almost $2,500 through a silent auction, 50/50 draw, ticket sales and donations, and everyone who came had the chance to meet Rylan.Rylan has been the guest of honour at every event the Johnstones have put on, and Alison said she can see him starting to come out of his shell and interact a little more with people.
"It's been unbelievable to see. I think it's because he feels the warmth of all the people around him," Alison said.
In addition to the two fundraisers, the Johnstones have been selling bracelets for $5 each and ground coffee for $15.95 to raise money. Recently the Gibsons Legion came forward with a donation of $1,000 towards the cause.
That donation put the total raised so far at $13,150, and the Johnstones aren't finished yet. Alison has a team of volunteers who are organizing an event at the Lighthouse Pub on Nov. 17. There will be a dinner, DJ, silent auction and a 50/50 draw for those who come to support Rylan's Fight For Sight. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Monkeychips in Sechelt or the Lighthouse Beer and Wine Store.
Alison invites anyone else interested in helping organize future fundraisers for Rylan to contact her at 604-886-3684. Donations can also be made at CIBC to Rylan's fund, which is being held in trust in Alison's name.
To find out more, go to Alison's blog at www.rylansfightforsight.blogspot.com, or find them on Facebook at Rylan's Fight For Sight!
