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On this page we will give you highlight on Families Royal Purple Lodges have assisted in their communities.
| Kennedy at the Relay For Life, Cancer Walk |
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| in Tisdale, Sk on May 29th 2009 |
Donation to the Haluke Family
Here
is Kennedy's life story, wrote by his parents
It all started the morning of January 23, 1996, in Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan, when a baby boy was born. His name, Kennedy Haluke.
The day of his arrival, a small lump was
noticed in is chin. A month later, and a few doctors later, we were told that the diagnosis was "lymphatic malformation"
also known as "cystic hygroma". We were in and out of hospital in Saskatoon for oxygen and monitoring. In
May, 1998, at the age of two, Kennedy went to see an Ear Nose and Throat surgeon in Edmonton to find out if and when surgery
would be needed. We were informed that surgery would be required as soon as possible as the cystic hygroma was growing
and pushing towards to brain and the lungs. Surgery date was scheduled for June 4, 1998.
Amongst everything
else that was going on, we were in the process of moving to Okotoks, Alberta, for Gregs work. We moved to Okotoks,
and 4 days later, went to Edmonton for Kennedy's surgery. Kennedy's first surgery was 18 hours in length. He
was in PICU for about 2 weeks. During this time, he received a tracheotomy and a feeding tube. One month after
the first surgery, Kennedy had a second surgery that was about 12 hours in length. After a long haul in hospital Kennedy got
to return home to Okotoks in September of 1998. In April, 1999, Kennedy had his trach and feeding tube removed. He
has had to be monitored by doctors through the years but never had to have an extensive stay in hospital until recently.
Kennedy developed an ulcer on his tongue in July, 2008. The ulcer began to grow rapidly in October. We
went to see his doctor ( now in Calgary) in October to see what could be done. It was decided that surgery would be
needed. The surgery was scheduled for December 8, 2008. On Monday, December 8, Kennedy went into surgery to remove
the ulcer. Surgery went really well and we were discharged from hospital on December 10. On December 11, we went
to see the surgeon before leaving Calgary. When we met with the doctor, he spoke with Greg and I alone and informed
us that they found cancer on Kennedy's tongue. He told us we would have to meet with an oncologist and would probably
need more surgery and treatment.
We met with an oncologist and were informed that the cancer Kennedy had was called
"Squamous Cell Carcinoma". He would require more surgery as they feel that there is more cancer in his mouth.
After his recovery he would require 7 weeks of radiation treatment. We are staying at the Ronald McDonald
house here in Calgary while we await the second surgery which is to take place in early January.
The news of Kennedy's
new illness is very hard to deal with but the support we have had from our family and friends, even strangers we have never
met before is just so....so hard to put into words.
We know as a family that Kennedy can get through this as he
has a great attitude and outcome on life and has the support of so many people behind him.
Tina and Greg Haluke
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| Kennedy's Mom receiving the moneis from The Fund for Children |
The Stavely
Lodge was made aware of the Haluke situation when Ulla Meredith wrote a letter to the editor of the Claresholm Local Press
in December. Terry contacted the National Elks and Royal Purple to apply for funds. It was confirmed by Christmas
there would be money available and if more is required they would need to submit their expenses. Terry Nelson, Honored Royal Lady of the Stavely Royal Purple and
Sharen McLean, Supreme Lecturing Lady also a member of the Stavely
lodge, made a presentation of $3000 to Tina Haluke, mother of Kennedy Haluke. Kennedy’s surgery took place in January
and he is now staying at home in Saskatchewan but having to make followup trips to the Children’s Hospital in Calgary.
The funds were from The Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children. All Royal Purple and Elks Lodges across
Canada make contributions to this fund. Money is then allocated to families who have children,
usually sick, in need of financial support for travel, equipment, etc.
If you would like to learn more about the Elks and Royal Purple Fund
For Children or if you like to learn how to apply for Funds. Please Visit the Link below.
Elks and Royal Purple Fund For Children
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