As part of a broader community effort to raise $43,000 to help a local child learn to walk, Bill Gibbons is organizing a pool fundraiser with A $1,000 Meucci cue as the top prize.
“All the money donated toward the registration will be given to the charity for Brielle (Thomson),” explains Gibbons. “We are looking at raising $43,000 to help her buy a special robotic device which will help her walk.”
Brielle Thomson was born premature at nearly 30 weeks. Unknown to doctors or her family at the time, Thomson suffered from a severe brain injury at birth that left her unable to walk and talk.
Since then her family has done everything it can to raise money for rehabilitation sessions and medical devices that will hopefully allow Thomson to walk. Thomson’s mother Michelle Aguilar, went door-to-door collecting bottles to raise money for a Trexo Robotic Device, a machine that can help Thomson walk, and costs $43,000.
Last week a broader community effort to help the family kicked off at Cochrane Toyota, and the campaign is slated to end on June 14 with a wrap up barbecue also at Cochrane Toyota.
Gibbons’ pool tournament will take place on Sunday, June 8 at the Venue Music Sportsbar and Grill at 1 p.m. The Venue is located at 79 Railway Street East.
All those wanting to help out Brielle and her family are asked to register by calling 587-362-4283. The registration fees will be donated to the family.
Gibbons said the top prize, a Meucci cue, is currently on display at The Venue for those wanting to check it out.
“I am donating a set of Meucci cues that are worth $1,000 for top prize. They are a high-end cue with an extra shaft. So you are going to have two shafts and a pool case.”
Gibbons hopes for a great turnout on June 8 to help Brielle.
“This is a child in need of a walker because she has to be in a position to learn to walk so when she’s older she can participate in various things like anybody else,” he said. “She’s just a good kid, you know. Very happy and happy-go-lucky, and just so full of energy and just wants to be better.”
-With files from Riley Stovka/ Cochrane Eagle
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