The daughter of Pounder’s childhood friend, Daphne Neal, was diagnosed in May with cancer sarcoma above her right knee. The family has been told that baby Keira, who is one year old, only has a 30 per cent chance of surviving.
Keira currently is receiving chemotherapy to shrink the tumour prior to having her leg amputated on Sept. 5. What's even more troubling is that this cancer is very resistant to chemotherapy, and chances of it recurring are high.
Things truly look bleak, yet the family remains positive and optimistic.
Keira’s grandmother, Margaret Dalton of Mississauga, has organized Thursday night’s benefit to raise funds for Baby Keira. The event will be held at the Westmount Gallery in Toronto's west end, at 88 Advance Rd.
The fun begins at 6 p.m.
For tickets, call Margaret at 416-436-1633, visit www.westmountgallery.com or e-mail to margaret.dalton@sympatico.ca.
“Doctors worry because babies are rarely diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, yet my daughter Daphne and son-in-law, Al, are thankful it's in Keira's leg and not her brain,” said Dalton.
Many of the medicines that Keira needs are not covered by provincial health insurance plans in Brirtish Columbia, where the Neal family lives.
For example, one of the medications not covered by insurance that regulates Keira’s white blood count costs $750. It is administered once every five days.
Those attending Thursday night’s gala can win trips, sporting goods, oil paintings, clothing, gift baskets, a signed Mats Sundin Maple Leaf hockey jersey, jewellry, restaurant meals, a family portrait, housewares, tools and gift certificates.
Admission is free but a donation of $10 is recommended.
“My goal is that everyone in attendance be able to leave with something, in addition to the parting gift that will be given to each person as they leave,” said Dalton.
There will also be draws, raffles and auctions.
Meanwhile, a Toronto CIBC branch has opened a trust account for Keira. Donations can be made at CIBC branches, payable to: MARGARET DALTON IN TRUST FOR KEIRA NEAL, ACCOUNT No. 24-03730, TRANSIT NUMBER: 07722.
