Local Musician Jordan St. Cyr and his wife Heather are blown away by the community support they have felt as they deal with their daughter's health issues.

Heather says Emery was born last November with Sturge Weber Syndrome. She has a Port Wine Stain on the left side of her face which is stealing blood from part of her brain. That part of her brain is showing signs of atrophy. She notes over time calcium can build up causing seizures, or mini-strokes. The syndrome can affect the brain, skin, and eyes and there is a possibility of intellectual abnormalities as well.

St. Cyr says she suffered her first two major seizures in April and has had a couple of absence seizures since which aren’t visible. She notes they are now preparing for surgery.

"The surgery that Emery needs is called a Hemispherectomy which very simply put is separating the left side of the brain from the right side of the brain and isolating the seizures to the disconnected portion. Jordan and I say we don't know how people do this without faith, that has carried us through. We have faith in our doctors and we have faith in our medical system, that has made it bearable too."

Heather’s brother Richard Schellenberg says he his friends in the Rolling Plains Motorcycle Association hold a big Beef and Bean Party every year. He notes this year they are using this party to raise money for the St. Cyr family.

"I grew up looking after Heather so now it is Emery's turn and the other nieces and nephews and so we are just trying to raise as much money as we can. Free healthcare, that is fine but it is all the hidden costs you don't see, traveling to Winnipeg, hotel rooms if needed, sitters for the other kids, meals, it goes on and on so we will do what we can."

Jordan St. Cyr says as difficult as this journey has been, Emery has brought much joy into their lives. He says he could not be more grateful for the community support they have received.

The “Beef and Bean” is being held on July 13th and for more information you can go to the Mix Blog.