Huge thank you to the community for efforts

Dear Editor,

It is with great joy that I write this thank you letter for the support my fundraiser received on Dec. 1.

The event was held to raise funds for a multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment that is not available in North America. I have lived with this disease since 1996 but have had difficulties in recent years and the Canadian medical system holds out no hope for my deteriorating condition.

I am essentially left to advocate for myself in searching of any kind of relief and I found a clinic in India that has shown remarkable results. Once I learned of the procedure and investigated it thoroughly, I felt compelled for my families and my own sake to do whatever I could to undergo the treatment. However, I have to raise $30,000.

That’s where the Airdrie community comes into play. A phenomenal young man, Travis Richardson, stepped up to bat organizing Rock For Lee at Baby Tooth Bambino’s.

He enlisted the help of three bands to play the event for free in exchange for donations to the event, did a tremendous job of promoting the evening, organized some amazing donations for the silent auction and everything else in between.

The event was a screaming success and raised $8,400, which completely blew me away! The support and generosity of those who attended was extraordinary and greatly exceeded expectations. I cannot express my heartfelt gratitude for everything that was done and to everyone that participated. I’m not only grateful for the financial support, but for the love and emotional support that was so prominent.

Special thanks goes out to Travis, the staff of Baby Tooth Bambino’s, the musical talent of Blackstone Hexx, Mitch Romney and Anomie, the vast list of individuals and companies that donated items for the silent auction, my family and of course my wonderful wife Lorelei.

The comments that have been expressed to me about the generous support of the Airdrie community have been awesome and heart warming. What a fantastic difference from the death, destruction and horrific news that emanates from our televisions on a daily basis. It was amazing to see the love, generosity and kindness that were demonstrated from the devastating reality that is MS. I feel blessed by the support I have received and honoured to live and be a part of the Airdrie community.

Lee Chuckry, Airdrie