What started out as a pleasant summer vacation for Cory and Christina Delbridge has turned into a life-and-death battle for their youngest child.
The Delbridges left Fort Frances two weeks ago—planning to spend some of their holidays with her family in Calgary and some with his family in Brandon, Man.
Christina and their one-year-old daughter, Alicia, flew to Calgary while Cory and their son, Matthew, seven, spent a week in Brandon. A change in plans brought Cory and Matthew home last Saturday—only to be greeted by an urgent call: Alicia was critically ill.
Cory, assistant manager at the Canada Safeway store here, was told by manager Dave McBride to drop everything and get out there, so he and Matthew flew out the following day to find that Alicia had been diagnosed with a rare viral infection called myocarditis—a disease that causes swelling and inflammation of the heart.
According to friend and neighbour Michelle Grynol, Alicia’s condition has not deteriorated, but she remains a very sick little girl and won’t be going anywhere soon.
Consequently, neither is her mother, who currently is trying to get accommodation at the Ronald McDonald House in Calgary because her family lives too far from the hospital for her to be available at all times.
Furthermore, the family probably is going to accumulate considerable expenses over the next little while—and that’s where the help of the generous people of Rainy River District comes in.
“Christina is probably going to be there for at least two-three months,” Grynol predicted in a telephone conversation yesterday. “As it stands right now, everything is up in the air.”
Things are moving quickly on the home front, however. In addition to granting Cory an indefinite leave of absence, Canada Safeway has set up collection boxes at the Scott Street store for those who wish to help.
In addition, Grynol also is accepting donations to help the family through these difficult times—noting the local “Community Chest” already has come through.
Thus far, more than $1,000 has been committed to help the Delbridge family through this medical crisis.
Grynol said because Cory and Matthew had to fly out as such short notice, the airfare alone came to more than $900, and there are going to be additional expenses.
Yesterday, Grynol went to the Royal Bank here to set up a trust fund to facilitate donations from those who wish to remain anonymous, but as of press time, the legal details concerning that had not been finalized yet.
But she is not going to make her friends wait.
“People can contact me directly and make arrangements,” she stressed. “If anybody wants to help in any way, it would be greatly appreciated.
“We’re hoping to have the trust fund up and running by tomorrow [Wednesday],” she added.
In the meantime, donations can be left at Canada Safeway or with Grynol at 1207 Third St. E. She also will pass on your prayers and good wishes to the family.
As well, Grynol said if you wish to pass along messages of support directly, you can e-mail the family at corydd@yahoo.com
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
