Donate for Nate Fundraising
'It takes a village!'
Nathan Perry is walking now!
(updated Jan 2018)
Nathan is a 12 year old Port Sydney resident with a condition known as Cerebral Palsy. He was accepted for a life changing surgery in St. Louis, Missouri which took place in June 2016. The goals of the SDR surgery were to allow Nathan to move more freely, reduce pain, and prevent further deterioration of his body. The surgery was very successful! Nate no longer uses his wheelchair, walker or canes! Way to go Nate!!
Unfortunately OHIP would not cover the cost of this specialized procedure, leaving his family to pay out of pocket and fundraise for the monies needed. (see NEWS ARTICLES at the bottom of this page) Their goal was to raise at least $100,000 and their goal was met and exceeded! Nate and his family are very grateful for all of the support that they have received!
Kennedy's 'Donate for Nate' HAT Sale Success!
To help with her friend Nathan's fundraising efforts, Kennedy (an 11 year old Knox member at that time) began making hats on a loom she received as a Christmas gift in 2015. Family and friends joined the project to ensure that a wide variety of hats were available, and they have taken and filled orders as quickly as possible all year. (Here is Kennedy with Nathan at the Hat Sale table at Knox's Bangers & Mash Dinner in January 2016.)Kennedy has sold 192 hats and raised $3,568.40 for Donate for Nate!
Kennedy would like to thank everyone for supporting her Hat Sale and for helping Donate for Nate in any way!
If Kennedy receives hat orders in the future, she plans to donate the proceeds to Knox United Church or other good causes.
Here are the Articles re: OHIP not covering SDR surgery by Senior Reporter Christina Stevens, Global News:
July 7, 2015: Ontario family raising $100,000 for surgery so 3-year-old boy can walk
July 8, 2015: Doctors, health minister at odds over surgery for Cerebral Palsy
http://globalnews.ca/video/2100016/doctors-health-minister-at-odds-over-surgery-for-cerebral-palsy
July 9, 2015: Doctors and health minister at odds over cerebral palsy surgery, families not getting funding
July 10, 2015: Outpouring of support after Global News story about boy who needs surgery
August 17, 2015: Families fighting for childrens’ surgery rejected by OHIP (SEE NATE in this video)
http://globalnews.ca/news/2170390/families-fighting-for-childrens-surgery-rejected-by-ohip/
August 27, 2015: Families fighting for OHIP funding for U.S. surgery redouble their efforts (SEE NATE in this video)
This Article features a boy named Mason that Pastor Sue knows of from Orillia who has had the surgery:
October 27, 2015: Coverage for life-changing SDR surgery proves elusive for Ontario families
Here are some local Articles and Fundraising Articles:
July 9, 2015: Adjala-Tosorontio teens' crafty fundraiser off to a flying start
www.simcoe.com/news-story/5713966-adjala-tosorontio-teens-crafty-fundraiser-off-to-a-flying-start/
November 5, 2015: Port Sydney family raising funds for son to have surgery to relieve symptoms of spastic cerebral palsy
November 9, 2015: Port Sydney family rallies support for son's life-changing surgery
https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/family-rallies-support-for-sons-life-changing-surgery/
March 10, 2016: Donate for Nate at Otters Skate on Saturday
http://www.muskokaregion.com/news-story/6385429-donate-for-nate-at-otters-skate-on-saturday/
March 30, 2016: Eat Spaghetti to help Port Sydney boy walk
http://www.muskokaregion.com/news-story/6411691-eat-spaghetti-to-help-port-sydney-boy-walk/
April 6, 2016: Piles of spaghetti help Port Sydney boy take medical trip
June 22, 2016: Port Sydney boy on path to recovery following life-changing surgery in US
Here is an article about Nathan and Ethan - both local boys requiring the same surgery:
September 1, 2016: Muskoka Mosaic: Two boys, one community, one disorder
Here are articles featuring Kennedy being recognized for her initiative:
September 28, 2016: Huntsville Doppler: Young girl recognized by Council for her community spirit
https://doppleronline.ca/huntsville/kennedy-watson-brown-knit-hats-donate-for-nate/
April 7, 2017: Huntsville Forester: 12-year-old Port Sydney girl nominated for Ontario Junior Citizen Award
May 5, 2017: Muskoka Community Foundation Smart & Caring Muskoka Celebration 2017
https://muskokacommunityfoundation.ca/smart-caring-muskoka-celebration-2017/
May 8, 2017: Huntsville Forester: Muskoka's young philanthropists shine at Smart and Caring celebrations