TOWN OF TONAWANDA, NY - Family, friends and complete strangers are busy getting ready for a benefit for the Vaillancourt family, whose story has touched hearts and inspired people around the world.
Town of Tonawanda wife and mother, Kim Vaillancourt, who is battling an aggressive form of brain cancer gave birth Friday to Wyatt Eli. He was nearly 6 weeks premature and weighed 4 pounds 7 ounces, but both baby and mom are doing well.
2 On Your Side anchor and reporter Melissa Holmes has been sharing the Vaillancourt story for months. Kim, and her husband Phil, who had two children of their own, adopted three girls just before Christmas. Just days after the adoption was finalized, she was diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma and had emergency surgery to remove two brain tumors.
For the sake of the unborn baby, she made the brave decision to put off chemo and radiation. And now that baby Wyatt is here and healthy, she'll soon start the treatment, to try to delay the cancer's inevitable return.
"Their journey has just begun," said family friend and spokesperson Jenna Koch, who has been planning a huge benefit for the Vaillancourts.
The benefit on Sunday, April 24, also includes a Euchre tournament. They chose Euchre because it was a popular activity for students at Tonawanda High School, Kim's alma mater.
The benefit organizers are still accepting donations of larger raffle items, table sponsors for $100, Euchre players, and businesses surrounding the Broundshidle Post 205 on Delaware Avenue to donate parking spaces. Tickets to the benefit are still available. They are $25 at the door.
"It's going to certainly be a big event and we're just looking for the community to rally behind Kim and Phil like they've done from day one," said Koch.
There will also be a show of support at Sweet Home High School this week. That's where the Vaillancourts' three adopted children go to school and it's Phil's alma mater. Their annual Faculty vs. Buffalo Sabres Alumni Charity Basketball Game will benefit the Vaillancourts. It begins at 7 pm and tickets are $5 at the door.
Support has also been offered in the form of prayers from strangers. A church in Eagle, Idaho dedicated its service to the Vaillancourts thanks to a member Jacki Corta, who in November lost her husband Douglas to Glioblastoma, and heard Kim's service and shared it with other church members.
"Just the support from all over the country has been so incredible. Honestly it leaves us speechless."
The Vaillancourts' faith, and strength in the face of adversity has inspired many, and now is the time - through prayers and support - for the community to show it cares.
Koch has established a Go Fund Me page for the Vaillancourt family. Click here to donate.
Donations can also be made at any First Niagara Bank branch under the name "Vaillancourt Benefit."
Jenna Koch is happy to respond to questions at jennahrkoch@gmail.com or 716-946-5753.