Double lung recipient, Karen Vandyk gives back to charity
There’s Always Hope | Alpha 1 Casino Night, September 24, 7:30 pm to 12 midnight, Allanburg Community Center
Karen Vandyk wants to give back to charity, and say thanks to the organ donors that helped to save her life and the lives of more than 1,200 Ontarians in 2014/15.
She is hosting a special event on September 24 at the Allanburg Community Center. The primary purpose of the event is to raise awareness of the benefits of organ donation.
Karen is a double lung recipient and now has hope for a better life. On May 27th she celebrated the first year anniversary of the successful procedure.
“I feel great and decided I wanted to give back,” said Karen. The casino – stag style event will feature a silent auction, penny auction, crown and anchor wheels, and a bake sale.
Entertainment will feature live music by double lung recipient Marc Pettigrew as well as a DJ. Food and drinks will be available.
Tickets cost $5 each. Proceeds will benefit Alpha 1 Canada (which is the disease Karen has battled) and TGH transplant research.
“Alpha 1 is the most misdiagnosed rare disease, it’s not new by any stretch, it’s hereditary, but doctors stopped testing for it because the government stopped paying for it,” said Karen.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Canada Inc. (Alpha-1 Canada) is a national “not for profit” organization committed to providing information and support to people affected by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency; informing the medical community about alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency; and to generating broad awareness about this genetic liver, lung and skin disease.
For people who are unable to attend the event, but want to support the cause, donations can be made online at gofundme.com/2db7w5w.
For event details call 905-394-2445 or email kvandyk@cogeco.ca.