Tyler (Benjamin) LeClaire is bravely continuing his long road to recovery following a dog attack earlier this year, and a March 23 fundraiser is being planned to help the family with health-related costs.
With complications arising from his re-attached right cheek, the seven-year-old underwent a skin graft nearly two weeks ago. Skin was taken from his right hip for the graft.
“This one is taking really well,” said Ron LeClaire, the boy’s father. “We’re anticipating more skin grafts before the injury fully heals, but there is no way to know how many. There are a few years of treatment ahead of us yet.”
Right now, the boy and his family are making weekly trips to the hospital to have the injury checked out. Tyler had been back to school at Glenbow Elementary, said Ron, but sitting at the desk was painful for the boy after he had the skin removed from his right leg.
“He’s a pretty tough little guy,” said the proud father.
“His spirits are a little bit down, but he’s doing well,” said Tanya Batycki about Tyler, her nephew.
In honour of the young boy and to help cushion the unforeseen costs associated with the recovery process, Batycki has spearheaded a fundraiser to be held March 23 at Cochrane’s Ducks on the Roof Sports Bar and Grill.
A silent auction will give patrons the chance to bid on a variety of items, from stays at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and Calgary Flames tickets, to Stampede rodeo tickets and gift cards from local businesses. There will also be a 50/50 draw and a raffle for a basket stuffed with goodies.
“This will help covering the cost of the time the family has taken off of work and some of the money will be going towards tutoring,” she said. “He’s getting a bit behind in his schoolwork.”
The dog that attacked the boy was surrounded to Cochrane’s bylaw officials following the incident and was euthanized in late January.
To find out more about the fundraiser or to donate an auction item, email Batycki at [email protected].
To make a donation, a trust fund has been created in Tyler LeClaire’s name at Bow Valley Credit Union.
