Rylan's Fight For Sight fundraising effort is almost over, as the family now has $31,653 and is planning a trip to China for little Rylan to undergo stem cell therapy this year.
The five-year-old Gibsons boy cannot see, cannot walk on his own and suffers from autism, but his family is hoping stem cell therapy will at least lessen his symptoms and give him some sight. That therapy will cost about $35,000 and Rylan will have to travel to China to have it done.
The Johnstone family has been working in the community to raise the needed money since September of last year, and with the one-year anniversary approaching, Rylan's grandma Alison Johnstone is confident their goal will be achieved in time to book a flight for this September.
"That last bit of money we are going to try to raise ourselves by saving as much as we can," Alison said, noting Rylan's dad Ryan Johnstone has already sold his truck to help raise some needed funds. "I know the community is so giving, but we're seeing that there are other things going on out there and we don't want to burden the community any more. They've done fabulous for us."
Through bake sales, bottle drives, Avon parties, bracelet sales, benefit events and individual donations, the total in Rylan's account has been steadily growing.
"And the Lions Clubs and the Legions have given generously to Rylan too. It's unbelievable how the community has come out for us. We feel so blessed," Alison said.
She credits a group of women dubbed Rylan's Angels for much of the fundraising effort to date and thanks those she works with at St. Mary's Hospital for their ongoing support of Rylan's Fight For Sight fundraisers.
"Without these people, we couldn't have done it. Without everyone's support, we couldn't have done it," Alison said.
Knowing their goal is within reach is thrilling for the Johnstones.
"It's so exciting. Rylan starts school this year, and if he starts with some sight it will be a big benefit to him," Alison said.
She and her daughter-in-law Alicia Johnstone plan to make the three-week trip to China with Rylan sometime in early September.
"We're just trying to work that out. Hopefully he won't have to miss any school," Alison said.
If you want to donate to Rylan's Fight For Sight you can do so by sending a cheque care of Alison Johnstone to 988 Fircrest Rd. in Gibsons, V0N 1V4, or you can give through Paypal to Alison Johnstone.
For more about Rylan's Fight For Sight, search for it on Facebook or go to www.rylansfightforsight.blogspot.com.
