Every year I say we wish we didn’t have to hold this fundraiser, and every year, I mean it.

November 15th will be the 18th annual Rizdales’ Roots Round Up in memory of my dad, George O’Connor.

This year we’re raising money for the bravest, most resilient (and also the cutest) little guy, Zachery Laliberty.

It goes without saying that no child, or person of any age, should have to face cancer but for Zachery, it’s been even more difficult. In September 2022, Zachery’s dad, Mike, passed away after bravely facing his own cancer diagnosis. Zachery lost his father and Jennifer, Zachery’s mom, lost her best friend and husband. Just 13 months later, in October 2023, Zachery received his own diagnosis after a routine eye examination. There was some pressure detected against the back of his eyes, and after further testing, it was determined that the cause was a glioma, a low grade malignant tumour. Zachery underwent surgery to complete the biopsy but also to relieve the hydrocephalus caused by the tumour.

Zachery has been diagnosed with the cognitive impairment of short-term memory loss as a result of the location of the tumour, and the permanent damage to the frontal lobe from the hydrocephalus. He has MRIs every 3 months and the good news is, although the tumour hasn’t shrunk, it hasn’t gotten any bigger. Unfortunately, his journey has recently taken a turn. The tumour has produced a cyst that has been growing and pushing against the right ventricle. This cyst is actually a fluid filled tumour that will require surgical intervention to have a catheter inserted to remove the fluid. Zachery will have to endure another surgery and this process of removing the fluid will be something he has to endure forever.

But Zachery is so much more than a child living with cancer. He is funny and bright, he is really musical (playing piano and excited to learn saxophone at school), he loves sports (just like his dad) and in fact, while we’re raising money for this little guy, he’s going to be doing something WAY more exciting - he’ll be at a Blue Jays Baseball camp with Vladimir “Vladdy" Guerrero Jr! Zachery is also a very lucky boy because he has a mom, Jennifer, who stays strong for him when he needs it, who loves him and advocates for him and puts his well being above everything. Losing the love of your life is a nightmare no one wants to experience but to then watch your child face his own cancer diagnosis is more than anyone should have to go through.

Our goal is to ease the financial burden that comes hand in hand with a cancer diagnosis. The parking fees, take out dinners when you’re too tired to cook, the special excursions after difficult hospital visits to lift spirits. It’s a thousand little things that add up so quickly and no parent should have to think about the cost of these necessities when they’re trying to make life as normal as possible for their child.

Please consider donating to the Rizdales’ Roots Round Up. You can do so in person, at the Richmond Tavern on November 15th from 3-6pm. Cash and cheques (made out to Jennifer Laliberty) accepted. Online donations are also available, just visit www.gofundme.com/helpzacherytoday.

We're going to be joined by our own (not so little) boy, Jack Dunphy with his musical pal Clay Denys followed by a set from London's own Emily Garber with her all star band. There may be even be a special guest all the way from the Lone Star State...you just never know. It's gonna be a time and you don't want to miss it!

During those 18 years we’ve raised over $49,000, all going directly to deserving families in our community (with the exception of the first year, when our proceeds went to the Canadian Cancer Society). Just like every Roots Round Up, we’re going to have an incredible afternoon, full of music, friendship and dancing, so please share this event and bring as many people as you can. Let’s show Zachery and Jennifer that their London community is here for them and you know we’re gonna have a heck of a good time doing it!