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Help get Courtney and Griffin get on their feet!

Hi friends!I'm trying to raise some funds for a very good friend of mine, Courtney Robinson and her son Griffin. They are two of the strongest and most determined people I know. Little Griffin has had the odds against him since she was pregnant, at the 20 week ultrasound, Courtney got news that no new mother or parent should hear. Her son had a long list of health concerns, his heart being the most severe. The outcome of her pregnancy did not look promising, but Griffin proved to be a fighter. At just 12 days old he had to undergo major heart surgery. The surgery was a success, but he wasn’t out of the woods just yet. He grew so fast at 3 months that he nearly outgrew the heart repair, this required him to be put on a heavy medication regimen for the next year and a half. Again, Griffin showed just how strong he was. He has since been through three other operations, unrelated to his heart, all of which he quickly bounced back from and was again the fearless, energetic boy he has always been. The most recent surgery was meant to be his last for at least four years, however the procedure didn’t produce the desired results, so the two are not so patiently waiting for yet another surgery in the next few months. Griffin just turned 2 this August and despite all of these obstacles, he's a happy, VERY busy and smart little boy. As his mother, Courtney endured these things as a single parent with little to no financial support, in particular from our government. She slipped through the cracks and has been so poorly treated by social services at Alberta Works. It has been absolutely unreal to witness what has transpired to someone who the system was designed to help. Sadly, she has since been dropped from any income support with them. Griffin's medications are expensive when you have zero financial support or health benefits, she had to pay out of pocket for all his postop medications after the last surgery. Courtney has not been able to work since June 2018 when she was put on disability due to her high-risk pregnancy. When her maternity leave ended, she wasn’t able to return to the workforce because she wasn’t able to find a daycare that would accept her son due to his health issues – regardless of how active and “normal” Griffin was. Without a large family support system here in Calgary, Courtney didn’t have the luxury of free childcare to help her out if needed. As you can imagine, it is tough to find a job when you’re the only one able to watch your child. She finally found him placement at a daycare, but it came with an extremely high price tag. It wasn't up until recent weeks that she was finally able to collect CERB, given her financial situation pre-Covid, this has still not been enough to get her head above water. And then you throw Covid in the mix. With outbreaks at day cares and Griffin's delicate immune system it would be like throwing him directly in the eye of the storm, Griffins team of specialists all advised that he not return to daycare until he has recovered from his upcoming surgeries. If you know Courtney and Griffin, then you also know Oscar. To add to her stress, Oscar needs surgery which is going to cost $2500 that Courtney simply doesn't have. I wish I had all the money in the world to help my dear friend out. She really is a special person with an extra special son, who has a large place in both mine and Brent's hearts. I can honestly say I have never seen one person kicked so many times while they were down and manage to pick themselves up and keep fighting for everything good for their little family. Courtney will do anything to make sure her son is taken care of, and it shows with how happy that little boy is. She told me once that she wants to be as strong as he is, getting through everything that he has had to face already in first 2 years of life. I know times are tough for many people during these very strange days/months and not everyone has funds to spare. But I'm asking if you have anything to spare, even the smallest amount, it is BEYOND appreciated. I can guarantee it’s going to good use and would relieve SO MANY stresses for my friend. I know she will have to swallow some pride here but my Dad always told me "there's never shame in asking for help." Courtney also makes very lovely custom signs and Christmas ornaments as well! If you feel more comfortable supporting a local artist, you can find her page "Paint & Pine" on Facebook to check out her stuff and contact her directly about some custom orders! Christmas is coming up after all! Every little bit we can do as a community will help this little family out during these difficult times. Stay safe and healthy everyone! And wash your damn hands! Love Kristen Rendell
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $15 
    • 2 yrs
  • Megan Birch
    • $5 
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
  • Gabriel Sarah Klewchuk
    • $175 
    • 3 yrs
  • Craig Stewart
    • $100 
    • 3 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Kristen Rendell
Organizer
Calgary, AB
Courtney Robinson
Beneficiary

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