Friends, family and the community are rallying to help a local family dealing with cancer.
Tsawwassen mother of two Irene O'Neil was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia last May. Friend and neighbour Tara Laitinen said O'Neil, a chartered accountant, had just got through the busy tax return season when she went to the doctor because she wasn't feeling well. That same day, she was admitted to Vancouver General Hospital.
Laitinen said O'Neil is now at home and is undergoing chemotherapy on an outpatient basis.
O'Neil has been unable to continue working and her husband, RJ O'Neil, a teacher in the Surrey school district, is on leave to care for his wife.
The couple has two young children - an eightyear-old son and a sixyear-old daughter. Laitinen said friends and family are rallying to help the young family both emotionally and financially.
The O'Neils have always been an active family, she said. The couple plays on a co-ed slo-pitch team, The Tribe, and O'Neil plays on a women's hockey team, the Smooth Grooves.
Since O'Neil has been unable to play, her Smooth Grooves teammates decided to take her jersey, number 14, on an adventure.
It has been in the Vancouver Canucks locker room, met Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, spent some time at a Burnaby fire hall, appeared on the Global Morning News and even spent Christmas dinner with Michael Bublé.
"This thing gets around," Laitinen said.
A fundraiser to help the O'Neil family is taking place at South Delta Secondary on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 7 p.m. until midnight.
Activities include a performance by local band Dr. Strangelove, a silent auction and a live auction with Ian Paton. There will be refreshments available.
Tickets cost $50 and the family is donating 10 per cent of all proceeds to Delta Hospice. No minors are allowed and tickets will not be sold at the door.
Tickets can be purchased at the Tsawwassen VanCity branch, which is also accepting donations for the family.
For more information on the fundraiser, or to follow number 14's adventures, visit www.facebook.com/ONeilfamilyFundraiser.
