Organizers have 15 days to sell 175 tickets to help a Cochrane mother with multiple sclerosis.
A fundraiser with a steak and lobster dinner, live entertainment and a silent auction is scheduled for Oct. 15 but might be cancelled if there is not enough interest.
“So far, the community has been fantastic – the public support has been phenomenal,” said Shelly Irmen, Cochrane mother with multiple sclerosis.
A fundraiser was held for Irmen at Mehtab East Indian Cuisine last week with more than $8,100 raised. The next fundraiser will be featuring a catered meal and if 175 tickets are not sold by Oct. 1, the event will be cancelled.
Irmen, 44, was diagnosed with the disease in 2003 and currently suffers from secondary progressive MS. The symptoms of MS are different for each person. In Irmen's case, her disease causes her severe tremors, extreme fatigue, memory loss, and confusion.
Because of the advancing nature of the disease, Irmen made the decision to research stem cell treatment centres across North America and started a GoFundMe page online in June to help fundraise for her future treatment as well as associated costs such as airfare, hotels and food.
Several businesses in Cochrane have started accepting donations to go toward Irmen’s $55,000 fundraising goal – including Scotiabank, Mehtab East Indian Cuisine where organizers are still collecting donations, and Mark’s No Frills, that stopped collecting donations last week.
“The community came together for the (other) fundraiser and they will again,” said Crystal Kerr, one of Irmen’s caretakers.
“This fundraiser created great atmosphere and opened up the community support. We will take any help we can get.”
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 and will now be going to a stem cell treatment centre in India and is in the process of finalizing details.
The fundraiser at Ducks on the Roof will take place on Oct. 15, if enough tickets are sold by Oct. 1.
The fundraiser will feature steak and lobster catered dinner with the Irish Band the Atlantic Storm and a silent auction, 50-50, and door prizes with all the proceeds to go toward Irmen’s treatment. Tickets are $60 and are available at Ducks on the Roof, located at 205 Third Ave. or through organizers Tabitha, email [email protected], Larry at 403-851-1852, or Jodi at 587-888-5310.
Organizers for the fundraisers are also still looking for volunteers and silent auction items.
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.
