The staff at Kawartha Vision Care in Cobourg spent their Saturday helping out a four-year-old and her family that will be embarking on a life-altering surgery.
Melindah Knott, Chelsea Legacy and Maiu Krik along with many donations from the community spent Saturday having a yard sale at the location on Elgin Street East in Cobourg.
Four-year-old Haylee Dost has cerebral palsy and uses a walker. But a life changing operation may change that which will lead to a much better living lifestyle.
The operation isn’t expected to take place for months, but the family is trying to prepare themselves for what will be a long journey in Toronto.
Haylee’s grandmother came to Kawartha Vision Care to get her eyes checked and get new glasses.
While chatting with staff about Haylee, Kawartha Vision Care decided to try and help out.
Social media posts asked for any type of donations from the community for the yard sale and on Saturday, September 14, 2024 the community came out to purchase any of the items for a donation.
“It’s more than I ever expected or could have asked for,” said Haylee’s mom Ashley.
“She’s full-time in school and she’s thriving.”
“That being said, there has been a lot of setbacks, there have been appointments that we’ve had to wait for, we had to go through COVID.”
Haylee is taking numerous medications and has been to numerous appointments for the upcoming surgery.
“For the community to become aware, is very new to us, but I’m very thankful for everyone to do this and show up – it means a lot.”
Following the surgery, Ashley will be living in Toronto for at least three months with rehabilitation and learning how to walk, while going to school.
But Ashley said, the surgery, will “give her a whole new path on life.”
Kawartha Vision Care also surprised Ashley with a $500 cheque.
With expenses of family members driving to the city and the cost of living, Melindah Knott from Kawartha Vision Care said, “we are doing what we can to help.”
Businesses in the plaza also graciously donated items for a raffle.
The event raised over $2,000.
For anyone who wishes to follow, Haylee, they can go to Facebook and search for Haylee’s Journey.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
