Proud of our "Trachtenfamilie"

Your hosts of the 24. Gaufest would like to announce that the offertory charity for the Bauernmesse is the Noah Nairne Benefit Fund.  Below are a few words shared by Noah’s family (parents Brenda & Richy). The Nairnes are members of GTEV Maple Leaf-Almrausch of Ottawa:

The journey can be so accurately described as a roller coaster. Following Noah’s initial diagnosis, (Anaplastic Astrocytoma), and later the frightening post-surgical recurrence, (now being referred to as a High Grade Glioma), we started a new treatment protocol (for Ottawa) and after several months everyone, (his doctor and specialists), were extremely pleased with the results. The cancer had shrunk in size and things were looking better than expected.  Unfortunately just a couple of months ago our world was rocked once again when there was an obvious progression of the cancer and he developed an extremely rare reaction to his chemo requiring him to stop using it. We were advised to go ahead with any travel plans sooner than later.  We immediately contacted the Children's Wish Foundation to inform them of the new developments and started the process of arranging his special wish. His wish was fairly simple; somewhere warm where he can swim and play on a beach and eat and drink when he wanted.  Our wish organizer recommended 7 days in Turks & Caicos and after a quick Google search we agreed this would be exactly what he would want.  Three weeks later, and a week after a trip to Winnipeg to visit Oma and Opa, Noah was in his tropical dream. He has since started a new chemo regime along with his Avastin and once again, rather unexpectedly, is showing signs of improvement.  Noah could no longer continue attending his regular school, (primarily due to Aphasia), for even the limited amount he did, but continues to go to CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) for school 2-3 times a week (over and above his treatment and blood work days).  Our battle, far from being over, is ongoing but we continue to be positive and see every day as a blessing.  

So many people remark on the strength our family has shown through this challenging time.  We can, without question, attribute much of this to the outstanding support we receive from those near and far. 

Our family would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that have contributed to the Noah Nairne Benefit Fund. The funds raised (special thanks to Scarlett Russell) have gone a long way in not only easing medical costs but have afforded us the ability to spend more time together.  It is not possible to truly express the level of gratitude in our hearts to everyone that has not only aided us financially but spiritually.  We thank everyone for their continued support and prayers, as we pray for Noah we also pray for all those facing life’s challenges and those that have been so generous to us. It is emotionally overwhelming to see just how supportive our close-knit community, friends and Trachtenfreunden both near and far have been and continue to be. Thank you, thank you, thank you!