Almost five months old and still weighing only nine pounds, tiny Johannah Vanderaa faces a long road ahead. Thanks to the kindness and caring of an entire community, that road suddenly seems a little less daunting.
Johannah Tammy Lynn Vanderaa came into the world on April 2 weighing seven pounds, a seemingly healthy daughter for Jason and Paula Vanderaa of Mount Forest. All was well until after her second feeding when, suddenly, the baby seemed to stop breathing and proceeded to vomit everywhere.
Problems continued, until mother and child got worried enough to visit the emergency room in the middle of the night. Thinking Johannah was having seizures, the doctor on call sent her immediately to Hamilton, where four days of tests ensued, from EEGs to ultrasounds.
“Everything seemed normal,” said Paula. “We were sent home with medication for baby acid reflux. Since that day, her weight has been a problem, along with the vomiting.”
Johannah will, out of the blue, lose weight, and doctors and specialists remain baffled as to the exact cause. Investigations at Guelph General Hospital revealed no seizures, blockages or allergies to milk. After one week she was released, with the pediatricians stumped.
“She’s gone through multiple tests, including x-rays, ultrasounds, blood tests, scopes, biopsies and even an MRI, all coming back normal,” said a frustrated Paula. “My daughter is not well, and needs medical attention. My hope is to go to a hospital where she will get the medical attention she needs.”
With so many hospital visits ahead, the Vanderaa family faces a severe financial burden as their precious little girl begins her journey to better health. Other than the fact she still weighs as much as a newborn, Johannah is just like a normal five-month-old; lively, vibrant and active.
Enter friends Barb Denomy and Melissa DeSousa who stepped in to organize a fundraiser for the family on Saturday evening, at the Drew Community Centre.
Donations poured in from across the community, with prizes, gift certificates and monetary donations bolstering the fundraiser; which included a bake table, silent auction, barbecue, games and prizes.
“We’ve got some really great, true friends to have a day like this,” said Paula. “I just want to thank everyone who donated. The way Mount Forest has just come together, it’s awesome.”
“Everything tonight has been great, and it helps out quite a lot,” added husband Jason.
The fundraiser, proving yet again what friends and caring individuals in the community can accomplish, raised over $1,000 for Johannah’s parents, to help offset their cost of travel, babysitters and special formula.
While organizers remain grateful for the show of support within the community, and genuinely thank everyone who pitched in to make the fundraiser a success, donations are still being accepted. For more information, contact Barb Denomy at 519-261-0242.