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Thousands raised for Baby Madrona

Looking out at the crowd of people gathered to walk and run to raise money for an ill young child, Baby Madrona's uncle was on the edge of tears even as his voice spoke with strength and faith.

Looking out at the crowd of people gathered to walk and run to raise money for an ill young child, Baby Madrona's uncle was on the edge of tears even as his voice spoke with strength and faith.

Madrona's aunt and uncle Fernando and Cecilia Fuentes"For anyone affected by cancer, it takes a lot of strength and courage to fight it. Some win, some lose, but we never give up."

With photos of his niece displayed on his front, Fernando thanked the friends, strangers and supporters who showed up on Saturday morning, some bringing hundreds of dollars raised in offices or among running buddies.

"It means a lot to our family. Thank you. Thank you."

Looking out at the crowd of people gathered to walk and run to raise money for an ill young child, Baby Madrona's uncle was on the edge of tears even as his voice spoke with strength and faith.

Saturday's effort was notable due to the number of strangers who felt compelled to come out and show their support by running 5K, 12K or walking a 1-K route.

Laker girlsTiffany Evans was there with her 16-month-old daughter, having heard about Baby Madrona in an article in the Times Colonist by Jack Knox, also there to offer support and help collect the 'pay-what-you-can' entry-fee donation.

He shared the story about the daughter of Michelle Purvis-Fuentes and Rafael Fuentes, barely two years old and in a day-to-day fight against leukemia. The family had emerged from months of treatment and a sense of hope only to have to return to B.C. Children's Hospital two weeks ago, their daughter again in grave danger.

As a mother of a young daughtet herself, Evans was moved by the family's plight and along with her weekly running group of fellow female runners came to do the Saturday run, even though they don't know the Fuentes or the other runners involved.

Dubbed The Laker Girls, for their route around Elk and Beaver lakes, the women have been running together since meeting at a learn-to-run clinic almost 10 years ago.

It's that kind of comradeship among runners that makes this town someplace special.

Michelle was a run leader at the Frontrunners' clinic, always with a smile on her face and a word of encouragement. It's no wonder that the same people whom she encouraged and inspired with her happy demeanor, would rally for her family. It is women that she ran with, like Sandy Perry, who stepped up to organize fundraising dinners, raffles and this weekend's run.

When Rosaline Canessa and her daughter Zoe, decked out in purple rain gear, were walking down Vancouver Street on Saturday towards the Frontrunners' store, she explained "all those people are here for Madrona."

ZoeCanessa's daughter and the Fuentes' son Rafael junior know each other from day care, from before Madrona was born.

"It is very touching, to see how people have come out here. I know the family appreciates everything that people are doing for them."

Through the heartache, the hopes and tears, the Fuentes can be assured that some of their costs are lightened.

On the weekend, through donations and pledge, from friends and strangers - a total of $5,600 was raised. And it's not too late to lend a hand - donations are being accepted by Perry at sperry@cruiseshipcenters.com

 


 

 

Michelle Purvis-Fuentes.

Michelle and Rafael Fuentes, Madrona’s father, got that news a couple of weeks ago, only days after mother and child had returned to Victoria from B.C. Children’s Hospital, their home for the previous eight months.

- See more at: http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/jack-knox-parents-keep-hope-alive-for-sick-toddler-1.76387#sthash.prCEYn5b.dpuf

Michelle Purvis-Fuentes.

Michelle and Rafael Fuentes, Madrona’s father, got that news a couple of weeks ago, only days after mother and child had returned to Victoria from B.C. Children’s Hospital, their home for the previous eight months.

- See more at: http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/jack-knox-parents-keep-hope-alive-for-sick-toddler-1.76387#sthash.prCEYn5b.dpuf