Two fundraisers to help a Cochrane mother with multiple sclerosis (MS) are currently in the works.
Two fundraisers to help a Cochrane mother with multiple sclerosis (MS) are currently in the works.
Shelly Irmen, 44, was diagnosed with the disease in 2003 and is asking the public to help her seek treatment for her secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
“Shelly has a great heart and she is a fighter. Really she just wants her independence back and Crystal and I felt moved to help her, ” said Tabitha VanderVeen, one of Irmen's caretakers.
Friends and caretakers of Irmen, VanderVeen and Crystal Kerr, have taken it upon themselves to help the mother of two and are planning two fundraisers for the fall.
“Me and Crystal both work for her and we are really able to get a glimpse of her struggles … she just really just wants to be a mom again and do the simples things in life that most people take advantage of, ” VanderVeen said.
Irmen had said in past interviews that her disease has forced her to give up activities, such as skiing because it felt as though her upper body and lower body weren't connected. Irmen also said that while she would love to be the full-time caretaker of her two children, a 10-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter, she is unable to because she relies on caretakers who visit twice a day.
In June, Irmen has started a GoFundMe page online to help fundraise for her future treatment as well as associated costs such as airfare, hotels and food.
Despite previously reporting that Irmen had a clinic and a treatment date set up, the Cochrane mother decided more research was needed before making a final decision.
“Nothing is set in stone, ” VanderVeen said.
“Since we are using the public's money we want to make sure we do our research and do this right. ”
Because of the advancing nature of the disease, Irmen made the decision to research stem cell treatment centres across North America. VanderVeen said Irmen will start seeing a stem cell specialist in Edmonton in September and is currently looking at two different stem cell centres for future treatment.
The symptoms of MS are different for each person and in Irmen's case, her disease causes her severe tremors, extreme fatigue, memory loss, and confusion.
Organizers for the fundraisers are still looking for volunteers and silent auction items.
“It has been a hard last eight months for Shelly with the symptoms getting worse, ” VanderVeen said.
“Shelly has been really moved by everyone coming together to help. It has been really neat to see that she is being seen and heard and helped. ”
There are two upcoming fundraisers for Irmen including a buffet dinner at Mehtab East Indian Cuisine in September and dinner with live entertainment at Ducks on the Roof Sports Bar and Grill in October.
The fundraiser at Mehtab will be on Sept. 7 between 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., where people can purchase a time slot for an hour where they will be able to enjoy an East Indian buffet dinner, dessert and one non-alcoholic beverage. There will also be a silent auction featuring Irmen's water colour prints.
There are 40 tickets available for each hour at a cost of $50. Tickets can be purchased at the Mehtab located at 120 Fifth Ave. or contact Crystal at [email protected] or 403-688-1610.
The dinner and live entertainment community fundraiser at Ducks on the Roof will be on Oct. 15 with doors open at 5 p.m. featuring a steak and lobster catered dinner with Irish Band, the Atlantic Storm performing. There will also be a silent auction, 50-50, and door prizes will all proceeds to go towards Irmen's treatment. Tickets are $60.
For tickets, contact Crystal at [email protected] or VanderVeen at [email protected].
To stay up to date with Irmen's fundraisers, go to facebook.com/ShellyIrmen.
For more information about Shelly Irmen and to donate to her cause, visit gofundme.com/29jfhnur.
