The community is rallying together in support of a Wallaceburg man and his family.
Joel Bennett has been hospitalized since August 1, when he suffered a brain bleed from a ruptured blood vessel, which required him to have emergency surgery in Windsor.
Joel was kept heavily sedated following his surgery, was kept on a ventilator and a feeding tube, and he had no movement from his left side. After 35 days in the ICU, Joel developed a chest infection, which led to a tracheostomy.
He has since been moved to Chatham and is undergoing physiotherapy, but the future is still uncertain.
“It’s going to be a long recovery and I think we’re just starting to realize how long,” said Kim McAuley, Joel’s wife.
“He has always been a fighter. We just need to keep his spirits up.”
In order to help Joel, Kim and their daughter Rori, who organizes an annual Christmas toy drive, a GoFundMe page has been started and a special online auction is being organized as well.
“I can’t tell you how wonderful and supportive everyone has been since everything happened,” Kim told the Sydenham Current.
“We appreciate all the love and support we have received.”
Donate online today
Joel’s sisters Marcy and Robin launched a GoFundMe page on September 11.
Since it started, over $1,200 of their $3,000 goal has been raised.
“We have been told that Joel’s recovery will be a very long process,” wrote Joel’s sister, Marcy.
“I know that Joel, Kim, and Rori would be be very grateful for any and all support. And it would mean the world to Robin and I to see my amazing brother, sister-in-law, and niece get a break and have at least a few minutes where they did not have to worry. Joel is a fighter and will make it through this!”
Click here to make a donation: https://www.gofundme.com/helpforjoelbennett
Online auction
An online auction is in the works as well and is expected to run from Monday, October 3 until Thursday, October 6 at 7 p.m.
Kristyna Roocroft, the auction organizer, said she saw Kim’s updates about Joel’s progress on Facebook, and wanted to help.
“I felt that I would be able to do so by organizing an online auction,” Kristyna said.
“Just a small way I am able to help give back. We live in this amazing community that always comes together to help one another when needed.”
Kristyna said there was also recently an online shopping event organized by Kristine Moninger, where various local direct sales reps donated all their commission to the family.
Here are some more details about the auction:
– All items donated by businesses, etc., will have direct links to their websites and any details they wish posted.
– Donations to this online auction can be dropped off at Homeward Realty (134 Duncan Street, Wallaceburg) during regular business hours or contact Kristyna at kristyna@homeward.ca to arrange a donation or you can call her during business hours at 519-627-9933
– Auction items must be in by September 30th
– The online auction is expected to run from Monday, October 3 and run until Thursday, October 6 at 7 p.m.
– Auction items can be picked up Friday, October 7 (after 1 p.m.) and the week of October 11-14.
– Other pickup arrangements can be made if needed.
– Payments must be cash or email transfer only.
– Dates and times are subject to change if needed.
– More specific details will be made available
You can follow along, here: https://www.facebook.com/WallaceburgEvents
– Photo credit: Kate Dath
