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Fundraiser to help family with cancer battle

Sicamous steps up with event at the rec centre on Satuday, Dec. 2
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A dinner, dance and silent auction fundraiser for Darren and Nyla Wilby takes place on Dec. 2 at the Sicamous and District Recreation Centre. The event is to help the Wilbys as Darren continues his battle against cancer. Photo contributed

Sicamous is once again pulling together to care for their own.

A community fundraising dinner and auction for Darren Wilby and his family is being held at the Sicamous recreation centre from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2.

Wilby has been battling cancer for eight years and his wife, Nyla, has recently taken leave from her nursing career as he now requires full-time care.

“The cancer is getting worse and bigger,” said Nyla’s sister Rebekah Nicholson who has helped coordinate the upcoming event. “He’s on so much medication and stuff like that, the bills are starting to rack up, especially since he hasn’t been working for so long. And now she’s taking a leave…

“They’ve got six kids, two of them are over 19 but she’s still helping them out and they’re struggling and it’s probably even more stress with the younger kids.”

Nicholson describes Darren as a fighter who is also humble and does not like asking for help. She refers to Nyla as “Wonder Woman.”

“She inspired me to become a nurse. We’re both nurses…,” said Nicholson. “She does everything. She’ll take all her kids to dance classes, and bake them cookies and cakes for their birthdays. With all of this, it’s starting to show – she really needs a break.”

Nicholson said the couple received needed financial help from a community fundraiser in the past, and have tried a variety of treatments, but nothing has helped. She said Darren has undergone several surgeries and has been in and out of hospice.

While the Wilby’s live in Vernon, Darren grew up in Sicamous, and Nicholson said the community is coming through for him again.

“It’s always kind of been his home and it’s great to see the community sort of band together around him,” said Nicholson. “With this fundraiser, we’ve already got quite a bit of support with donations for the silent auction and stuff like that. It’s kind of encouraging.

“Every little bit helps. He’s a big NHL kind of fan and about a year ago, when they were really feeling well, they were able to go and see a game which was really good. The NHL has donated some jerseys which is really nice for the silent auction. Moose Mulligans is donating the food for the event and Shoeswap, the band, they’re doing that.”

Also up for auction are houseboat trips from Twin Anchors and Waterway Houseboats and many more items donated by local businesses.

Nicholson said that despite his health, Darren is determined to attend the event.

“Both of them are just the most wonderful people you’ve ever met with such like grit and determination. Honestly, it’s going to be a good night,” said Nicholson.

Tickets for the event, $20, which include beef on a bun and live music, are available at the Sicamous Loonie Toonie and More store and at the door. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting Neil Healey at wheel–19@hotmail.com. Healey is also accepting donations for the silent auction as well as for the family. Donations for the family can also be made via a Darren Wibly page on gofundme. For more information about the event, visit the Darren Wilby and family cancer fundraiser page on Facebook.


@SalmonArm
lachlan@saobserver.net

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