SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A memorial fund has been created in memory of Jonas Konge, who died this past May at the age of 2 while waiting for a heart transplant.

Niels Konge and Renee Lelievre hold a cheque for $16,755 from the Northern Construction Safety Association outside their home on Friday. The money is going towards a memorial fund named after their son Jonas who died last May. - photo courtesy of Cindy Dolynny

About 30 people attended the announcement of the fund's establishment Friday at the Konge family's residence near Kam Lake. There the family had constructed a pergola area – a covered walkway -- in memory of Jonas.

At the ceremony the Northern Construction Safety Association presented a cheque of $16,755 raised from a recent golf tournament for the fund.

"Yellowknife is an amazing place ... it's like one big family," said Niels Konge, Jonas' father. "We appreciate the support that our family has received through this ordeal."

The memorial fund will give scholarships to medical students from the territory and provide funds toward the purchase of neonatal and pediatric equipment for Stanton Territorial Hospital.

Jonas Konge was born with a congenital heart defect. In the beginning of last March during open heart surgery in Edmonton, complications arose and Jonas' body could no longer support the procedure. Doctors were forced to remove his heart and his body was fully supported by specialized medical equipment. For 10 weeks he waited for a heart. On May 12, five days before his third birthday, Jonas died while surrounded by family and friends.

"While Jonas was in the hospital, a lot of people were offering their support," said Niels. "When he passed away we thought that this was a good way for us to give back to the community."

The fund was created by the Konge family and is being administered by the Yellowknife Community Foundation.

"It is very touching the family chose the fund as a vehicle for healing," said Daryl Dolynny, president of the Yellowknife Community Foundation.

"As tragic as it is, this is a chance for Jonas to give back."

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