Hundreds of Westlock residents came out to show their support for a local family that’s dealing with a rare medical condition.
A fundraiser for Lance McNamara’s future medical needs was held at Memorial Hall last Saturday, Oct. 25, which drew a crowd of well over 200.
Irene McNamara, Lance’s mother, said she was overwhelmed with the amount of support the family has had from friends and family in Westlock.
“The people in this community have been absolutely wonderful,” she said. “The support, love and passion they’ve shown for Lance have been wonderful.
Lance suffers from Guillain Barre Syndrome, a neurological disorder that has left him mostly paralyzed and unable to walk or speak. Doctors say it was the result of an H1N1 influenza infection he suffered in December 2013.
While he has made some slow and steady progress since his initial diagnosis, regaining some degree of movement and working on different ways to communicate with the help of speech language pathologists, he has a long way to go for his recovery.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to purchase the equipment necessary to get Lance out of the hospital and into his home as soon as possible.
He was present at the fundraiser in his hospital bed, which was transported from Edmonton via ambulance. The four EMTs who were with him received a standing ovation for going “above and beyond,” their job description so Lance could be there.
Dr. Kathryn Koliaska, a medical officer of health for Alberta Health Services’ North Zone, spoke about the importance of getting a flu immunization, saying it’s the best way to prevent getting influenza, along with the frightening complications which can sometimes arise.
Lance’s boss Kim Desmarais spoke to the crowd about Lance’s role at a Nisku manufacturing plant where he worked, and how quickly he rose through the ranks into a supervisory role — a role he performed admirably, earning the respect of his workers and bosses alike.
“Lance’s work, his character and his sense of humour are dearly missed by everyone he works with,” Desmarais said. “We can’t wait to get you back, buddy. We miss you.”
Lance’s wife Kelsey Lindberg said the entire process, from Lance’s diagnosis through to his slow and steady recovery, has been a difficult one for their family.
“It’s just (hard) not having him home and being able to experience things with us,” she said.
Irene echoed that sentiment, saying it’s been so hard to watch the once-strong young man confined to a hospital bed.
“The effect it has had on him… I can’t even imagine what it’s like to be trapped in your body for so long,” she said. “And to be dependent on everyone for everything, even scratching your nose.”
For his brother Ryan, he was hoping for the kind of turnout they got at the fundraiser, but actually seeing everyone there was a great comfort.
“It just goes to show how great this community is,” he said.
