An outpouring of love and support for Morgan Levins and her family resulted in more than $11,000 at a recent fundraiser at The Landing. The 12-year-old Ladner girl was diagnosed earlier this year with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer. The diagnosis was made after a lump was found on Morgan's collarbone that continued to grow in size.
Morgan was taken to B.C. Children's Hospital in Vancouver for treatment and is currently awaiting her next surgery in mid-July.
Family friend Kirsty Jansen and an army of friends all stepped up to make the June 4 fundraiser happen, but Jansen is quick to point out that without the support from the community, it wouldn't have been such a success.
"It was certainly more than we ever would have hoped for," Jansen said. "We had so many people who contributed to the silent auction and raffle. It was heartwarming the number of people who showed up and gave cash or entered the draws and were just there to support. It was really emotional."
Jansen said the money raised came from a silent auction, raffle, cash donations and The Landing also contributed a portion of the sales for the evening.
Jansen's employer, Envision Financial, also contributed more than $300 after the staff held a Jeans Day.
"There were people who heard about the event who were just going into the liquor store, but wanted to support, so we ended up putting a donation bin in the liquor store later in the evening," Jansen recalled.
The idea for a fundraising event started when another family friend, Chad Murphy, wanted to hold a meat draw at the pub.
"It grew from a little meat draw into this huge fundraiser," Jansen said.
"I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful group of friends who rally behind one another no matter what and I know the Levins family feels the same."
Jansen also wanted to recognize Laura Thomas, Rebecca Davis, Erin Northcott, Kim Demidoff and Candace Flannigan for organizing the event, and offered thanks to Lindsay Maxwell and The Landing staff.
As for Morgan and her family, Jansen said they are overwhelmed by the generosity of the community.
"Morgan is doing really well and her treatments are going well. She seems to be keeping in good spirits, but she is doing well considering. I know this evening really lifted her spirits."
A GoFundMe page was created to help Morgan's parents, Kerry and Carsen Levins, pay for expenses, including gas, parking at the hospital and care for their son, Max, who's a toddler.
Those wanting to donate can do so at: https://www.gofundme. com/2upkpwjg.
