Fundraiser set to help city family

The family and friends of Shania Spencer are organizing a fundraising garage sale, to help the family with expenses related to medical treatment the 17-year-old must undergo this summer in Saskatoon.

The sale has been set for Friday to Sunday, July 11-13, at the DeTricky Feet Dance Studio at 15 Sixth Street.

Shania is the daughter of Charmaine Friesen and John Bakaluk of Weyburn, and Colin Spencer of Midale.

She has been diagnosed with severe scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, and she is scheduled to undergo surgery in August with her orthopedic surgeon, as well as with a lung surgeon and a spinal cord team, to address her condition.

First diagnosed with scoliosis in January of 2013, by October of that year her curvature had increased to 71 per cent, with a large rib hump on her right shoulder, and the top of her spine is compressing her ribs into her right lung, causing shortness of breath. Her lungs were shown to be operating at a borderline level with little to no pulmonary lung function in her right lung.

The last couple of years have been difficult for Shania, as she is suffering with back pain as well as not being able to walk very far because of shortness of breath.

Scoliosis is about two times more common in girls than boys. It can be seen at any age, but it is most common in those over 10 years of age

The organizers of the garage sale are asking for donations for the garage sale, plus any donations that might help the family with Shania's medical expenses, and travel expenses to and from Saskatoon, to enable Shania's mother to be with her for the surgery and recovery. For those who wish, fuel cards to help with the gas expenses, and gift cards from Chapters for Shania, would be appreciated by the family.

To donate items for the sale or to the family, contact Charmaine Friesen, Veronica Dechief or Darlene McMillan.