TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2016 /CNW/ - An Ontario family has had their wish come true with help from Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC), our partners and a caring Fire Fighter. Despite what they had been told, Bri Reynolds, will be heading home to spend Christmas Day with her husband and children.
"This is a day we only dreamed of," says Lucan Reynolds, Bri's husband. "Bri has faced so many obstacles and her only wish this Christmas was to spend the holidays with our three children (Loriann – 11, Leah – 10, and Lorenzo – 7). I can not tell you how much this means to our family and how happy our children are to have their mom home for Christmas. Thank you MDC for making this miracle happen."
Bri has two types of muscular dystrophy, Becker and Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD) and has spent more than 100 days at Lakeridge Health at the Rouge Valley site ICU unit. The family has faced financial hardship caring for Bri, and Lucan had to leave his job to care for his wife and family. On November 30th, the story of Bri and her family ran on the local news. The family, who is dealing with the realities of muscular dystrophy, shared their very personal story and their one wish - to be together for the holidays.
Chris McAuley, a local volunteer Fire Fighter with the Scugog Township Port Perry Firefighters' Association, who for 4 years has worked with MDC, contacted the Ontario MDC team asking what they could do to help. The Township of Scugog Fire and Emergency Services Fire Fighters have been supporting MDC since 1984, and as an active volunteer Fire Fighter and the MDC Chairperson, Chris has a deep connection with MDC and knew we could help the Reynolds family this holiday season.
"The heart of Muscular Dystrophy Canada is helping families affected by neuromuscular disorders to receive the services and supports they need to live longer and better lives. Families like the Reynolds family are an inspiration to us. They are a reminder that we must continue to support Canadians affected by neuromuscular disorders. Because of the generosity of our donors and volunteers, we are able to deliver programs and services, like navigating systems, implementing sustainable solutions, and funding assistive devices, to families in need. We continue to invest in ground-breaking research and advocate for individuals and families. We are delighted that we have been able to intervene and with the support of our partners, to make this wish come true," said Stacey Lintern, Vice President of Mission.
This miracle happened because many people chose to help – Special thanks to our partners, vendors, Lakeridge Health Rouge Valley site ICU team, Central East CCAC (Community Care Access Centre) and the Vent Pool through the Assistive Devices Program. Because of all of you, Bri's husband Lucan and children: Loriann, Leah and Lorenzo will receive their Christmas wish and have their mother home for the holidays.
"Thank you partners, vendors and Vent Pool through the Assistive Devices Program who played a key role in addressing barriers and putting a plan into place that would accommodate the family's wish for Bri to spend the holidays with her family. The spirit of generosity and kindness gave this family a holiday they will never forget," continues Lintern.
About Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Muscular Dystrophy Canada's mission is to enhance the lives of those affected with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well funded research.
To learn more about Muscular Dystrophy Canada – please visit www.muscle.ca or call our toll-free number at 1-866-MUSCLE-8 (1-866-687-2538).
SOURCE Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Media contact information: Stacey Lintern, Vice President, Mission, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, [email protected], 647-284-8706
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