Saturday fundraiser for Isaac
Renée Andor
Record Staff
Listen to bands, drink, eat and help support a young Comox Valley man and his family as they continue to struggle with his severe illness.
A fundraiser for 26-year-old Isaac LeBlanc, featuring live music, a potluck, cash bar and silent auction, will be held at the Courtenay Legion Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
LeBlanc started suffering from neck pain in November, and things progressed quickly from there; within a matter of weeks he was unable to speak or move his body from the neck down. He was sent to a Victoria hospital in early December, then went to Vancouver, and is now back in Victoria at Royal Jubilee Hospital.
His mother, Wendy LeBlanc, who hasn't left his side throughout the whole ordeal, said doctors still don't know what's wrong with Isaac.
"They're just scratching their heads right now," said Wendy. "They're consulting with doctors all over the world, trying to figure out what can they do, what haven't they done, what can they try."
According to Wendy, doctors first thought it could be some form of multiple sclerosis or a rare neurological disease, and have tried numerous treatments, including chemotherapy, but nothing has worked.
He has lost a significant amount of weight, and his eyes, which were blue before, have turned grey.
While Wendy said his brain activity has slowed a little bit, Isaac can still communicate by blinking his eyes.
"He can still communicate, he can still know what's going on," said Wendy. "I mean it must be the worst place in the world to be, watching everything — you know, what's going on — but not being able to do anything."
Family friend Andrea Burton is one of the fundraiser organizers, and said the family is not only struggling emotionally, but also financially.
"The financial burden has really taken its toll," said Burton, adding that Wendy is on disability assistance, and the costs of staying out of town as well as some uncovered medical treatments have been a hard burden for her to bear.
Admission to the fundraiser is by donation with all proceeds going to the family, and a donation jar will also be set up.
According to Burton, musical director Barry Polichek has organized a special performance by Pink Floyd tribute band All in All. The Comox Valley Pipe Band Society will perform at 8 p.m., and many other local musicians will take the stage throughout the evening.
Burton said many local businesses have donated to make the evening a success, including Joel Maurice of About the Art who donated a large autographed and framed print by Tofino artist Mark Hobson for the silent auction.
The fundraiser is potluck style, so people attending are asked to bring a food dish.
There will be a cash bar, so Burton said it's an adult event and a designated driver will provide free rides home to attendees.
Burton said she expects the night to be a big success in terms of fundraising and rallying support for Isaac.
"It's going to be a day that people will never forget," said Burton. "People that don't even know Isaac are coming... Their hearts are breaking for Isaac."
The event is listed as Fundraiser benefit for Isaac LeBlanc on Facebook, and further details are posted. Or, contact Burton at 250-650-4124 for more information.
writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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