Community members from Ponoka to Bashaw and the rural areas in between came together for a pie social at Asker Church Saturday, April 11 to help raise funds for a couple battling cancer and multiple sclerosis.
Pat Spelrem has been the taking care of her husband Deryl, who is fighting MS, for the past five years. However, she was recently diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer.
“There are some needs in their lives and we’re just here to raise money,” said Asker Ladies Aid member Debbie Zepick.
The funds raised for the Spelrems will go toward getting Deryl his own private room at the Northcott Care Centre. “He doesn’t have a phone, we’d like him to have a phone,” said Zepick.
The money is also set to purchase Deryl a power chair, transportation, utilities at their acreage, and a caregiver for Pat if she is able to get home during treatment.
During the social gathering, Zepick informed the crowd Pat has already finished her first bout of chemotherapy. “…in hopes they will be able to shrink things enough for surgery,” said Zepick.
“When we planned this fundraiser, we didn’t know any of this,” she added.
Those who attended the event also had the opportunity to bid on many silent auction items.
“Every year we do a fundraiser for a different organization, but this time it’s special because it’s a member of our group,” said Zepick.
“Deryl has been a member of this community since he was born, and Pat has been a member of our ladies’ group and various things as well,” she added.
Any money not used, should the lives of this much-loved and well-supported couple see drastic changes, will be donated to local charity.
“We really do need a miracle in Pat’s life,” said Zepick.