Kayla-Jaid fundraiser for cancer support groups
THE family of a young Kinlochbervie girl recovering from leukaemia, are organising a fundraiser in order to give back to organisations that supported them during her treatment.
Kayla-Jaid Munro (4) started in primary one at Kinlochbervie Primary School last month after a turbulent and very difficult year.
It was an emotional moment for mum Christina Mackay, a doctor’s receptionist, and dad Kevin Munro, a fisherman, as well as the wider family including Kayla-Jaid’s siblings, Donald (22), Tyree (18), Kian (13) and Ronan (12).
Now family and friends are busy putting together a fundraising grand auction, raffle and dance which will take place in the village hall on Saturday, September 10.
They hope to raise money for Ward 2a (Schiehallion) at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow; Clic Sargent; the Les Hoey MBE DreamMaker Foundation; and the John O’Byrne Foundation.
Kayla-Jaid fell ill in July 2015 with an ear infection which cleared up following a course of antibiotics, only to return some weeks later along with other symptoms.
She was referred to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, where tests confirmed she had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Christina said: "I still can’t actually remember exactly what was said at the time. You just hear the word leukaemia and you don’t know what to think."
The youngster, who is known for her big smile and who loves playing with her dolls, was transferred to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow on August 9 last year for an intensive course of treatment which was to see her stay in the city for nine months.
She underwent 15 blood transfusions and countless lumber punctures where chemotherapy drugs were injected into her spinal fluid to stop the leukaemia spreading into her central nervous system.
Her mum said: "Kayla-Jaid lost all her hair including eyebrows and eyelashes and had numerous side effects. She was unable to get out of bed for 14 days and it was a very slow process to get her walking again."
Family members were constantly at Kayla-Jaid’s bedside.
National cancer charity Clic Sargent, which supports children and young people with cancer and their families, provided accommodation in a house the charity runs close to the hospital.
Christina said they also received support from other organisations such as the Dream Maker Foundation which gave Kayla-Jaid pantomime tickets and the John O’Byrne Foundation which paid for her to go to Disney on Ice.
She said: "So many people give up their own time to visit the hospital wards, speaking to children and parents, playing with the children, organising days out and other activities – anything that makes a horrendous situation more bearable."
Kayla-Jaid was able to leave hospital after seven weeks but still required out-patient treatment. The family moved into a flat in Glasgow and her brothers and sister were able to visit her during the school holidays.
She was finally given the all-clear to return home four months ago, although she still requires monthly visits to Raigmore Hospital and three-monthly visits to the Royal Hospital for children.
Christina said: "Kayla-Jaid has been amazing through it all, so brave and courageous and even at her worst, she was always smiling. She is brilliant."
The family have been so touched by all the support they have received that they decided to show their appreciation with a fundraiser.
Christina said: "Although Kayla is home, the charities are still there if she needs anything.
"We see Evelyn Stewart from Clic Sargent when we attend clinics and, if there is a room, we can stay at Clic Sargent’s Marion House when Kayla attends for lumbar punctures at Glasgow.
"Also Les Hoey frequently messages asking how she’s getting on and if there is anything the DreamMaker Foundation can do to help or anything she’d like to do or see."
Local businesses and individuals have rallied round to provide items for the grand auction and raffle.
Celtic Football Club has donated two tickets for a home game including a tour for four round Celtic Park and the DreamMaker Foundation has provided a signed Scotland top.
Reay Forest Estates is donating a butchered hind while Lochinver butcher S Greenlees has gifted a butcher meat pack.
The Victoria Restaurant in Dingwall has donated a meal for four including a bottle of wine and the Ceilidh Place, Ullapool, a meal for two.
The Crash Banjos will be providing music for the dance and the event starts at 9pm.
For more information or to donate to Kayla’s fundraiser, contact Christina on 07969904644 or email: M70KLB@hotmail.co.uk
