Lucas Gillan (center) with Father Chris and Mother Angela.
The community used this past weekend to show a lot of love for young Lucas Gillan.
More than eight months after the Gillan family initially turned to social media to find a suitable kidney donor for the Renfrew teen, Lucas and his donor, Debbie, graced the stage as the guests of honour at a fundraiser at the Horton Community Centre to cover his ongoing treatment.
Olivia, Lucas’ sister, couldn’t believe the packed crowd of friends and neighbours in attendance, all of whom continue to show their support.
She adds that Lucas’ successful operation has taken a huge load off the minds of the Gillan family, who spent most of this past fall and winter urging people in the Ottawa Valley to become donors in hopes they could share their spare.
Lucas’ aunts, Kerri Headrick and Kim Flynn, say the reaction from the community has been wonderful but not surprising, as the family has long been respected for their willingness to help those in need.
They also know from experience just how much better his life will be without the worry of frequent, painful hospital visits.
Plans are once again in the works for the whole family to be part of annual Kidney Walk benefiting the Kidney Foundation of Canada, as the entire clan will leverage the attention brought on by Lucas’ journey to raise $10,000 for the group once their campaign gets underway later this year.
The afternoon was made special by a live performance by the Kyle Felhaver band and a prize draw featuring items from several community sponsors. Totals raised from the event are expected to be announced in the coming days.
(written by Kasey Egan)
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- The Kyle Felhaver Band kept the crowd dancing all afternoon.
