The family of Madrona Fuentes wants to give back to those who helped during her time in hospital.
Two-year-old Madrona died June 24 after fighting acute myeloid leukemia for more than a year.
Her parents, Rafael Fuentes and Michelle Purvis-Fuentes, are holding a potluck and a fundraiser on Saturday to raise money for other families with children fighting leukemia.
In May 2012, Michelle noticed Madrona’s lips had turned blue and took her to Victoria General Hospital. Madrona was then sent to Vancouver for treatment, undergoing a stem-cell transplant in October 2012.
The family spent nine months going back and forth from B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver to their home in Victoria. Living and travel expenses piled up, with the public chipping in to help.
The family is asking for $5 donations at Saturday’s event, dubbed a BIRTH-day Party. All of the money raised will go to Madrona’s Magic Fund to help other families with children diagnosed with the type of cancer she had.
Madrona loved birthday parties, her mom said. In the final stages of her illness, one of the few things that would make Madrona open her eyes was having Happy Birthday sung to her.
Saturday’s event is also a way for the family to thank residents who helped throughout Madrona’s illness.
“Our community has brought us so much love, we want to give some love back,” Michelle said.
Michelle, who spent nearly a year living in Vancouver while Madrona underwent treatment, said she wants to be able to personally thank and hug the people who supported her family.
The BIRTH-day Party runs from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Tulista Park in Sidney, near the Anacortes ferry dock.
