Starycki family give back, make Christmas brighter for others

This article about young Nate is a little late but still worth reading. It was sent in by Jackie Caldwell. Nate Starycki was born with gastroschisis Feb. 3, 2008. He spent most of his first few years of life in the hospital.

Submitted By Carol Deagnon Correspondent Jan 23, 2014 3:00 AM

Maymont seniors held their annual meeting Jan. 15.Photo by Carol Deagnon

This article about young Nate is a little late but still worth reading. It was sent in by Jackie Caldwell.

Nate Starycki was born with gastroschisis Feb. 3, 2008. He spent most of his first few years of life in the hospital. Most of his hospital stays have been in Calgary, Alta., at the Alberta Children's Hospital.

Nate has had a number of surgeries and procedures done throughout his life and as of Jan. 3 was in the hospital in Calgary and had been there for approximately six weeks. He had five surgeries during those six weeks.

Despite all his health struggles in life, Nate started kindergarten in Maymont this fall. Anyone who knows Nate knows he is kind, caring and has a wonderful spirit that is contagious.

In November, Nate and his family decided to collect gifts and cash donations to purchase gifts to be donated to the pediatric ward and pediatric intensive care unit at the Royal University Hospital. As the Staryckis knew how it felt to be in the hospital over the holiday season, they wanted to give back.

The donations were overwhelming and over $7,000 in toys, gift cards and cash was raised.

Unfortunately Nate's health took a turn for the worse at the end of November and he had to go back into the hospital, but this did not stop the family from finishing what they started. With all they had on their plate, Dane, Jen, Nate and Deagan still bought gifts with the cash donations and arranged to have them delivered to the sick children in Saskatoon.

A few friends of the Staryckis gathered up all the gifts and delivered half of them to the hospital and half of them to the Ronald MacDonald House in Saskatoon. It was unfortunate the Starycki family could not donate the gifts themselves but we know they made some children's and their families' Christmas a little brighter.

The Starycki family showed the true meaning of Christmas by giving back and doing something for others. We are proud to have them as part of our community and hope Nate has a speedy recovery and is home soon.

The Maymont Hotel snowmobile rally held Jan. 11 hosted 101 riders and 24 ghost riders. The hotel served beef on a bun for anyone who wanted to join the riders. Prizes were given out and everyone enjoyed the day and the evening.

The Maymont Seniors' Center held their annual meeting Jan. 15. A new executive was voted in, consisting of Jay Babineau as president, Carol Deagnon as vice-president, Mel Deagnon as secretary-treasurer.

Maintenance will be looked after by Tom Caldwell, Jay Babineau and Mel Deagnon. Mary Carpentier will resume her position as the person who sends out the cards on behalf of the seniors. The entertainment committee will be Bert Carpentier and Mel Deagnon and the decorating committee will be Judy Gallie and Carol Deagnon.

Anyone wishing to rent the seniors' hall, please call Mel Deagnon at 306-389-2440.

The next wellness clinic will be Feb. 18.