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Kinette Club continues its fight versus cystic fibrosis

The Estevan Kinette Club continued its quest to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF) during its annual Princess and Superhero Ball Saturday afternoon at the Southeast College’s Estevan campus.
Princess and Superhero Ball
Brody Wyatt, Chrystal Wyatt, Averi Wyatt and Lola Haselhan attended the Princess and Superhero Ball.

The Estevan Kinette Club continued its quest to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF) during its annual Princess and Superhero Ball Saturday afternoon at the Southeast College’s Estevan campus.

A total of 109 people attended the event, with both young people and adults dressed up as their favourite superhero or princess. They were ushered in by their favourite superhero or princess.

People were dressed in prince and princess attire to escort guests to their tables, and members of the Estevan Police Service and the Bienfait Fire Department were there to greet the crowd as well.

“We wanted to do a spin on our local heroes and our everyday heroes for kids to be a part of, and to be recognized as a part of our community in that way,” said event chairperson Kasey McIntyre, a Kinette whose son Liam has been diagnosed with CF.

Activities happened throughout the afternoon. DJ Dave Elliott provided music and the kids had a great time dancing with their family members and friends.

Guest speaker Kelly Thompson of Carnduff spoke about her son Braden’s battles with CF. Braden Thompson was supposed to attend, but couldn’t due to an illness.

Kelly Thompson noted that her son has spent a lot of time in the hospital, and he wasn’t diagnosed until the age of five.

“He takes everything with such stride,” said Kelly Thompson. “He is truly a warrior. He keeps our spirits up, and he’s not afraid to talk about it.”

The hardest part for him is gaining weight. He’s 13 years old, but he only weighs 60 pounds. So he uses a feeding tube in his stomach, and takes 6,200 calories in his sleep.

But he’s active. He plays hockey, and is in archery and cross-country.

“Braden has a fight for life. He’s not ready to give up, and he’s shown us that we can’t give up.”  

Members of the Drewitz School of Dance provided dance and local youths entertained the audience with some live music. Local youth Klara Heath was named the Princess for the Day, and was presented with some prizes. (For more on the Princess for the Day, please see this week’s edition of Southeast Lifestyles).

“It was just fun,” said McIntyre. “Everyone had a wonderful time at the Southeast College. The venue was fantastic for lighting and room to do our activities.”

If people wanted to sit and enjoy snacks and refreshments, they could. Or they could play games, make crafts and get their face painted.

“The kids just had a wonderful time. And that’s what it’s about. It’s about families coming out. As cold as it was … it’s good to have events in January, because we all get into hibernation mode. It was another way to get out and be active and not let winter hit us so hard.”

Approximately $2,300 was raised, and proceeds from the event will be directed towards Cystic Fibrosis Canada to find a cure for CF.

The event was also a chance to create more awareness about the disease and how it affects children.

McIntyre said people with CF do their best to lead a normal life, but when an illness hits, it hits hard.

“When families come out and support those that do have CF, it’s nice to know that they want to and the still do,” said McIntyre.

Liam McIntyre was diagnosed with CF when he was four weeks old, and it was devastating news. The knowledge that there is no cure for the disease was enough to motivate McIntyre to find a cure.

Of all the balls the Kinettes have organized, McIntyre said she believes this was the best one, because the committee put in extra work, and they pulled it off.