Almost $17,000 was raised last Saturday at a Stettler auction to enable a young man battling with leukemia to visit his grandparents in Mexico.
About 80 people raised $16,810.72 for Aaron Moreno, 22, at the fundraiser at Christ-King Catholic Parish Hall.
“The expenses the family has incurred are tremendous, and though only God can cure Aaron, we felt we could, at least, ease the financial burden,” said Mona McCann, one of the organizers.
Aaron left for Mexico on Aug. 19 with his parents, Jessy and Connie, sister Sahira and brother Xavier. They plan to return this weekend.
In February of this year, Aaron was diagnosed with leukemia and was sent to Calgary to resume treatment. He received a stem cell transplant from Xavier, who was a 100-per-cent match.
Although not yet finished his treatment, the cancer has returned and early this month doctors told him he had three to six months to live.
As a special wish, he wanted to visit his grandparents in Mexico.
Jessy and Connie came to Canada about five years ago.
About a year ago, their two adult children, Sahira and Aaron, became landed immigrants along with them, as well as their youngest son, Xavier.
“Our goal of $20,000 is still a ways-off and donations are still welcome,” McCann said.
To donate, phone McCann at 403-742-3012, Tara Dupont at 403-742-3839. GT Hydraulic at 403-742-1707 and Foesiers Heavy Duty at 403-742-0290.
Organizers thanked auctioneer Claude Dupont for donating his time, Julie Jarmin for giving massages, and all others who donated time, items and money.