Orphaned Sons of Rose Mckay-Dion
Donation protected
Single mother Rose Mckay-Dion passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on the morning of July 30th, 2019, in Fox Creek, Alberta. Her two boys, Keyan (age 8) and Landon (age 11), have lost their mother at a young age. The children's grandmother, Gerri Dion, has taken over their care since the tragic passing of her daughter. Funds raised will go to Keyan and Landon for various immediate and long-term expenses, such as their education, health, clothing, food, and school activities. Depending on how much is raised, we may be able to set up a post-secondary education fund for the boys. Nothing can replace a lost mother or daughter, but perhaps we can make life a little bit easier for the family in their new life in Bonnyville, Alberta. Please join us in supporting these young boys and their grandmother during this difficult time. We appreciate your prayers and financial support.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Childhood should be a carefree time to play, and learn, and grow. Rose, like most parents, did her best to create an atmosphere of stability for her two young children, Landon and Keyan, a task made more difficult by the fact that Landon’s father passed away when he was just a toddler and Keyan’s father has not been part of their lives since the children were very young. Growing up without a father is a significant challenge on its own, but nothing compared with the tragedy of their mother’s death. Although Rose had some recent health concerns, her passing was sudden and unexpected. The family didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye. The loss hit the boys even harder since they didn’t just lose their mother, but their provider, confidant, and nurturer, and the source of stability, love, and comfort.
In the face of this tragedy, Rose’s mother Gerri has opened up her home and taken on the task of raising the two boys. She has now moved into home with enough bedrooms to accommodate the boys and is in the process of becoming their official guardian. She has had her hands full doing things like making sure the kids see a dentist, getting them ready for the new school year (grades 3 and 7), going out berry picking, and making zucchini muffins and pickled zucchini with them. At a time of life when she should be enjoying a lightening workload, she now has a greater and more difficult responsibility than most of us have ever had to endure.
Both Gerri and the boys are facing a difficult time. Parenting is a difficult task at the best of times; Gerri has the added challenges of raising children who have suffered crushing tragedy, all while mourning the loss of her daughter and trying to hold down her job as a custodian. The boys have to cope with losing their mother, the innocence of childhood, and the stability of their world as they moved to a new house, a new school, in a new city.
The adage “it takes a village to raise a child” has never been truer than in this situation. Although most of you do not know Landon, Keyan, or Gerri, you are still able to help. A financial gift will help in many ways. It will help ensure that the boys are able to have their practical needs met. Gerri has taken on a wonderful, but likely stressful, challenge in raising her grandsons. Helping them out financially is one of the few ways that we can help lighten their heavy load. Finally, and maybe most importantly, when going through hard times there is enormous comfort in feeling that you’re not walking alone. Donating money sends a message to Gerri and the boys that there are people who care about them and their circumstances, and that they are not alone.
I am Sharon Mckay (Glass), the wife of Rose's cousin Darryl Mckay, and we're organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Keyan, Landon, and Gerri. While the family are doing all we can, we hope that this GoFundMe campaign will help to raise money for the immediate and long-term well being of these sweet boys and their grandmother. All funds raised will go towards them (minus a small transaction fee from GoFundMe). We want to make sure their school fees are paid and they don't miss out on things like class trips. Even if we can raise enough to cover the cost of Keyan's glasses, that would be amazing. We want the boys to have everything they need to have a healthy and happy life in their new city and home. If possible, we would also like to set aside a portion for their post-secondary education.
Thank you for your prayers and any financial support you're able to give to Keyan, Landon, and their grandmother Gerri during this difficult time.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Childhood should be a carefree time to play, and learn, and grow. Rose, like most parents, did her best to create an atmosphere of stability for her two young children, Landon and Keyan, a task made more difficult by the fact that Landon’s father passed away when he was just a toddler and Keyan’s father has not been part of their lives since the children were very young. Growing up without a father is a significant challenge on its own, but nothing compared with the tragedy of their mother’s death. Although Rose had some recent health concerns, her passing was sudden and unexpected. The family didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye. The loss hit the boys even harder since they didn’t just lose their mother, but their provider, confidant, and nurturer, and the source of stability, love, and comfort.
In the face of this tragedy, Rose’s mother Gerri has opened up her home and taken on the task of raising the two boys. She has now moved into home with enough bedrooms to accommodate the boys and is in the process of becoming their official guardian. She has had her hands full doing things like making sure the kids see a dentist, getting them ready for the new school year (grades 3 and 7), going out berry picking, and making zucchini muffins and pickled zucchini with them. At a time of life when she should be enjoying a lightening workload, she now has a greater and more difficult responsibility than most of us have ever had to endure.
Both Gerri and the boys are facing a difficult time. Parenting is a difficult task at the best of times; Gerri has the added challenges of raising children who have suffered crushing tragedy, all while mourning the loss of her daughter and trying to hold down her job as a custodian. The boys have to cope with losing their mother, the innocence of childhood, and the stability of their world as they moved to a new house, a new school, in a new city.
The adage “it takes a village to raise a child” has never been truer than in this situation. Although most of you do not know Landon, Keyan, or Gerri, you are still able to help. A financial gift will help in many ways. It will help ensure that the boys are able to have their practical needs met. Gerri has taken on a wonderful, but likely stressful, challenge in raising her grandsons. Helping them out financially is one of the few ways that we can help lighten their heavy load. Finally, and maybe most importantly, when going through hard times there is enormous comfort in feeling that you’re not walking alone. Donating money sends a message to Gerri and the boys that there are people who care about them and their circumstances, and that they are not alone.
I am Sharon Mckay (Glass), the wife of Rose's cousin Darryl Mckay, and we're organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Keyan, Landon, and Gerri. While the family are doing all we can, we hope that this GoFundMe campaign will help to raise money for the immediate and long-term well being of these sweet boys and their grandmother. All funds raised will go towards them (minus a small transaction fee from GoFundMe). We want to make sure their school fees are paid and they don't miss out on things like class trips. Even if we can raise enough to cover the cost of Keyan's glasses, that would be amazing. We want the boys to have everything they need to have a healthy and happy life in their new city and home. If possible, we would also like to set aside a portion for their post-secondary education.
Thank you for your prayers and any financial support you're able to give to Keyan, Landon, and their grandmother Gerri during this difficult time.
Organizer
Sharon Glass Mckay
Organizer
Bonnyville, AB