Sienna and join her Faith Family of Hope

“There is no greater love says the Lord, then to lay down one’s life for a friend.” John 15:13.

As pastor of St. Joseph Church, I have the privilege of walking with many people through all the joys and trials of life. Sienna Labatt, a young special child in our parish family needs a kidney transplant to live a life that every child should live – being loved by her family, friends and faith family. By the grace of God, her donor, Clarence Mills, also a parishioner here at our parish, is living the Gospel message of Jesus and donating his kidney to her on Friday May 10th. Truly heroic in his actions, Clarence’s selfless gift should be celebrated and appreciated.

I am appealing to anyone who may be willing to assist these special families as they endure the financial trials of being off work for many weeks (Clarence – husband and father of 5 children) and Anthony & Amanda Labatt (who will be off work caring for their daughter). This GoFundMe page is set up to help them to pay their bills, buy groceries and look after their needs. No gift is too small and all proceeds will go to support the Mills and Labatt families.

Please see more information below on this amazing story….

Thank you in advance for your consideration, may the Lord reward you for your kindness –

GOD IS SO GOOD! Fr. Rico Passero

Sienna’s Story

“Two families who had never met before were brought together by St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grimsby in 2019, the Labatts and the Mills. In November 2020, through a miracle, it was discovered that Sienna Labatt (2 years of age at the time) had chronic kidney disease. After months of tests and intense medical care, she was further diagnosed with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome, a rare genetic connective tissue disorder. Sienna is medically complex and fragile. She has spent countless months in hospital since her diagnosis and has had two nephrectomies, a colectomy, and several other surgical procedures (some with major complications). Sienna’s kidney failure has resulted in her being on dialysis since fall 2021 and currently undergoing hemodialysis four times per week at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Even with the amazing care she receives from McMaster Children’s Hospital and Sick Kids, there was only one thing that could provide her with a chance of living a more “normal” life; a new kidney. On November 25, 2022 through social media, Sienna’s parents made the decision to ask for the “unaskable” from family, friends, and acquaintances; a new kidney for their daughter. Jessica, Clarence’s wife, read this post from the Labatt family searching for a miracle and after 4 days of many prayers, discussions, and messaging back and forth between the Labatt family and the Mills, Clarence decided that he wanted to start the process to see if he was an eligible candidate. In January 2023, both families learned that Clarence was a match for Sienna. Since this journey began, the two families have shared many dinners and playdates, hospital visits, church groups and endless messages and phone calls, the families have prayed, cried, and laughed together. It was through St. Joseph Catholic Church that God placed Clarence and his family in the Labatt family’s path. For those that do not know Clarence Mills, he is an active member of St. Joseph Church, Knights of Columbus, and a wonderful husband and father. Clarence also plays Santa in the winter months, visiting those who need some extra special magic. Clarence and Jess believe that if they have something that someone needs today, then they will give it and know that tomorrow God will do the same for them. God knew that Sienna needed Clarence and that his kindness, compassion, and true inspiration would provide the Labatt family with the faith and hope they had needed during the past two years. On May 10th, Clarence will undergo one of the most selfless acts possible and will be giving Sienna one of his kidneys. This act will allow Sienna to live a happy and healthier life than she ever could have imagined. A life full of colour. A life that will be changed forever all because of this true act of love for thy neighbour.”