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Dancing for baby Kammy

Heather Lange
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, May 4, 2011

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Family members and supporters of Kamryn Bond, affectionately called Kammy, came out to buy cupcakes and watch a dance recital by the Bella Dance Academy Sunday to fundraise for Kammy's prosthetics and rehabilitation.

NNSL photo/graphic

Family of baby Kammy; left: Cousins Kianna Matcalfe and Holly Matcalfe, Auntie Tracey Johnston, Grandma Linda Johnston and big brother Rylan Bond show some of the cupcakes for sale at the Dance for Strength fundraiser that took place at Ecole J.H.Sissons School on Sunday. - Heather Lange/NNSL photo

Kammy contracted a respiratory syncytial virus, which infects the lungs and breathing passages. In order to save her life, doctors had to amputate both her legs, her right hand and parts of her left hand at the end of March. Kammy is now staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Edmonton and will be fitted for prosthetics in a few weeks, followed by a few months of rehabilitation.

"If it wasn't for the fundraising, it wouldn't be possible. We are so appreciative and thankful for everyone, it's pretty amazing," said Kammy's aunt, Tracey Johnston, speaking about the generosity of the people in Yellowknife and Grande Prairie, Alta.

Johnston, along with Kammy's grandparents and mother, Dale Bond, lived in Yellowknife for many years before moving to Alberta.

Johnston was just in Edmonton on April 30 visiting Kammy and her family and took them out to Chuck E. Cheese. "Kammy never not has a smile on her face. She has no problem eating french fries with her pinky, thumb and part of an index finger."

Lina Ball, the owner of Bella Dance Academy and fundraising co-ordinator for Dance for Strength, said her students put on two shows for the fundraiser with a special message.

"All the kids created dance pieces that will be recorded to make a video get-well card for baby Kammy."

Dance for Strength raised a total of $6,800. The money will go toward medical care for Kammy and help her parents continue to stay by Kammy's side during her rehabilitation and the adjustment period until they are able to get back to "normal life."

"In my mind I had a goal of $5,000, so I was very excited and surprised with the total amount raised," said a grateful Ball.

Diamond Glass also donated an additional amount of $2,000 for Kammy's ongoing health care costs.

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