School rallies for student

Joussard School staff who are participating in the Austin Norland fundraising campaign are shown in the photo above. In the front row, left-right, are Susanne Boulanger, Candice Deren, Doris Willier, Austin Norland, Natalie Cole-Lamothe, Lorraine Adams and Andrea Hogan. In the back row, left-right, are Jennifer Pruden, Patty Lillico, Tammy Dalke, Bill Wilcox, Gorden Freeman, Amanda Williams, Kathy Routh and Jennifer Churchill. Missing are Rachael Brassard, Lisa Beauchamp, Albertine Prince and Joussard’s High Prairie School Division trustee Rudy Willier.

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

Joussard School is stepping forward to help raise money to pay for the expenses of one of its students needing a heart transplant.

Austin Norland, 11, and a Grade 6 student at the school, has a second gene mutation, says his mother, Tanis Willier.

“He has a muscle in his heart that’s growing too fast,” she says. “It’s thicker and they can’t control it. As it thickens the heart can’t pump the blood.”

Austin is receiving treatment in preparation for a new heart when one becomes available.

Currently, Austin may receive a call at any moment and its off to Edmonton to receive a new heart.

Meanwhile, Joussard School staff gathered in the gym March 12 to begin their fundraiser to help the family pay expenses while in Edmonton.

“Starting today, the staff and students of the Joussard School are fundraising for Austin Norland and his family,” read principal Natalie Cole-Lamothe. “He and his family must travel to Edmonton biweekly and sometimes weekly, for doctor appointments. The money that we raise will go toward helping the family with expenses that arise from travel, accommodations and other expenses that occur during this trying time.”

Staff at the school have decided to participate in several ways. If the students, staff, and communities raise $3,000 Natalie Cole-Lamothe, Lorraine Adams, Doris Willier, Patty Lillico, Andrea Hogan, Jennifer Pruden, Susanne Boulanger, Jennifer Churchill, Candice Deren, Tammy Dalke, Gorden Freeman, Amanda Williams, Kathy Routh, Bill Wilcox, Rachael Brassard, Lisa Beauchamp, Albertine Prince and Rudy Willier, Joussard’s High Prairie School Division trustee, will dye their hair the colour that Austin chooses.

Students howled in laughter as the colour of each participant was read.

“If $4,000 is raised, Racheal Brassard and Jennifer Churchill will cut their waist-length hair to above their shoulders,” says Cole-Lamothe.

And if $5,000 is raised, Routh and Cole-Lamothe will shave all their hair.

“We are excited to begin this fundraiser because we know that the money and support will directly help one of our students and his family,” says Cole-Lamothe. “We also know that the Joussard School has always been supported well by our families and communities and we look forward to continued support with this very worthy fundraiser. I think that we’ll have lots of fun doing it, too!”

Cole-Lamothe praised students for past fundraising activities and is confident the school will do well again.

“We’re going to show you how much fun we’re going to have,” she says.

Each student was given a Ziploc bag with a letter explaining the fundraiser, a pledge sheet and card for Austin.

An added bonus is that Routh has promised all hair cut will be collected and given to charity to cancer patients.

Tanis Willier thinks “it’s just awesome” the school is helping.

“It was unexpected and it’s very kind,” she says, adding Sucker Creek First Nations is also helping financially.

She also extends thanks to everyone who has already sent Austin encouragement cards.

Austin’s father is Duane Norland.

The fundraiser continues to April 6.

Copyright © 1999-2009 South Peace News. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.

View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster