Zachary Pelly, 7, and Serenity Fabrick-Kequahtooway, 8, have already fought battles that most people don鈥檛 have to endure throughout their entire lives.
Both children are facing different types of cancer.
At the 31st annual student vs. teacher benefit hockey game, the community pulled together to raise money for the two families of Zachary and Serenity.
This year, a total of $13,394 was raised, that鈥檚 $6,697 for both families.
Funds came from donations, ticket purchases and a 50/50 draw.
Young students from schools around Yorkton participated in a shoot-out during the intermission of the main event, which was the student vs. teacher game. 聽
This year鈥檚 game pitted some of Yorkton鈥檚 most talented student hockey players against their teachers.
The student players who raised the most money got to play.
Scott Yemen was one of the organizers of the event.
He said every year, a group of teachers discuss a few children who could really use some help. They then narrow it down to one or two, and that鈥檚 who they play for.
鈥淢ost of the Maulers and half of the WHL has come out to try to beat us this year,鈥� said Yemen. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 based on need, and it鈥檚 almost organic how it comes out.鈥�
Serenity
Sharon Fabrick is Serenity鈥檚 grandmother and legal guardian. She said the family is overwhelmed and amazed at the support from the community.
鈥淚 can鈥檛 even put it into words,鈥� she said.
Serenity was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June of 2016, and has been fighting ever since.
Fabrick said it鈥檚 been a long process, and they frequently travel back and forth to Regina for treatments, bloodwork, doctor鈥檚 appoints, MRIs and CT scans.
Despite the battle, the 8-year-old has continued to show courage.
鈥淪he is my strength. I honestly don鈥檛 think I could get through it. Anytime we鈥檙e in the hospital, she has that contagious smile that she has, always on her face,鈥� said Fabrick. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know how she does it.鈥�
As for Serenity, she said she鈥檚 looking forward to getting back to school.
鈥淎nd I didn鈥檛 have much friends in the hospital,鈥� she said. She said that was one of the hardest parts.
鈥淪he鈥檚 missing her childhood,鈥� added Fabrick.
The funds raised at the hockey game will be put toward the travelling they do for Serenity鈥檚 treatment, said Fabrick.
鈥淵ou still have your day-to-day, everyday expenses. Then to add going back and forth for these kinds of trips, they add up.鈥�
Right now, the family is waiting to be sent to Edmonton for further treatment.
Zachary
Ted Quewezance is 7-year-old Zachary鈥檚 grandfather. Zachary was in Saskatoon with his mother and father for treatment during the hockey game, so Quewezance and other family members attended to represent him.
鈥淚t鈥檚 touched our hearts. People have such big hearts, especially when our children are at that age and the battle they have in front of them,鈥� said Quewezance.
鈥淚t鈥檚 so overwhelming.鈥�
It鈥檚 been one year since Zachary鈥檚 diagnosis. He鈥檚 now going through chemotherapy.
鈥淗e鈥檚 such a resilient little kid. So resilient he just makes you strong. You鈥檝e just got to keep moving forward,鈥� said Quewezance.
Zachary is completing a three-year program, and still has two years to go.
鈥淲e feel like we鈥檝e finished the first leg, and it鈥檚 events like this that keep us going. He鈥檇 love to be here,鈥� said Quewezance.
