(
I-Canada-News.Com, June 06, 2012 ) Toronto, Canada -- A grass-roots fundraising event in Newmarket generated $51,328.01 for a Holland Landing resident who survived an attack of Necrotizing Fasciitis last year.
Organizers of the "Whatever-a-thon" say Cyndi Desjardins, who awoke from a medically-induced coma to find that doctors had sacrificed her forearms and lower legs to prevent effects of the "flesh-eating disease" from spreading, is now halfway to their goal of purchasing two myo-electric arms for the mother of two.
Approximately 300 people attended the walkathon-styled gathering at Newmarket's Fairy Lake Park on May 6th, donating "participation pledges" with the help of 20 volunteers, including members from IODE Newmarket and Holland Landing, Desjardins' husband Marc Wilkens, friends and family. East Gwillimbury Mayor Virginia Hackson addressed the crowd at the official kick-off for the half-day event.
Festivities included musical entertainment from singer/guitarist Jamie Miller, performing a song list that included a special version of "Shine On" (a song he co-wrote with Desjardins). His live set was followed by the 'Xtreme Drummers from Bogart School, showcasing their provincial competition-winning drum routines. A barbecue and refreshments area sponsored by Pig Out Catering contributed additional proceeeds to the cause.
"We're thrilled with the response and generosity of everyone who joined in to help," says Maureen Fautley, the Whatever-a-thon's founder and event organizer. "Cyndi's already started to select the features of her new prosthetic arms, literally months before we expected them to become a reality for her."
Ms. Fautley, who had never met Ms. Desjardins before reading of her plight in a newspaper article late last year, created the Whatever-a-thon fundraiser as a mechanism for contributors to do "whatever they can" to help the former business manager survive after-effects of the disease. Myo-electric arms offer finer motor control and a more refined, natural appearance than the basic "hook-style" prosthetics Desjardins is now using, but their $52,000 individual cost isn't covered by Desjardins' health care plans through OHIP or her former employer.
Pictures, further details, upcoming event announcements and donation pledge forms are available through the organizer's website at
http://whatever-a-thon.comAbout the event:
The Whatever-a-thon on May 6th saw approximately 300 people show up at Fairy Lake Park in Newmarket on a brilliant, sunny day. Our 20 volunteers, including the ladies from IODE Newmarket and Holland Landing, friends and family, did an outstanding job keeping everyone organized.
Whatever-a-thon
Maureen Fautley
647-377-3629
mfautley@rogers.comSource:
EmailWire.Com 
