The fundraising event on Saturday for 13-year-old Elizabeth Trepanier, who is fighting Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS), saw an overwhelming show of support from the community. While total attendance and funds raised are still being calculated, Elizabeth’s family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of generosity that filled the night.
“There was a big crowd,” Meghan Schiestel, Elizabeth’s mother, said. “I just couldn’t imagine that we were going to get the crowd that we did, the amount of support, and the amount of people coming up to me, just rallying behind us, saying that we are one big family here and they’re going to support her all the way.”
A highlight of the evening was when Elizabeth’s 6-year-old cousin auctioned off a welded art piece. “She made her cousin, in her words, $1,700,” Schiestel shared. “She was so proud.”
Elizabeth, who attended the event briefly, has been deeply touched by the support. “It feels so weird that so many people have come together to help me through my medical journey,” Schiestel read from a letter Elizabeth wrote. “She just can’t believe the community is giving so much support.”
Beyond the local community, the Trepanier family has been receiving attention from across the country, thanks to the growing awareness of Elizabeth’s story. “This is actually helping other kids too, because parents know that they can reach out to me now,” Schiestel said. “I just got a message from Montreal, a lady heard our story, and now she’s reaching out to me for help for her daughter.”
The family sees this as a significant step toward spreading awareness about SMAS and helping others in need. “That was my goal,” Meghan said. “I’m hoping this is going to be a big breakthrough for Canada.”
Despite still awaiting important medical updates, Schiestel remains focused on getting the message out to the public and raising awareness. “We still have the pizza fundraiser going,” Schiestel said. “I’m not sure how long that’s going for yet, but we still have 46 tickets left to sell.”
The event lasted late into the night, with attendees staying to help clean up, which Schiestel appreciated. “The amount of people that just stuck around and helped us clean up as much as possible that night it wasn’t such a hard job in the morning, was phenomenal.”
Through it all, the Trepanier family is grateful for the help they have received during this time. “Never stop giving to the kids that need,” Schiestel urged. "We are just very overwhelmed by the support.”
As they continue to raise awareness and funds, the Trepanier family remains hopeful that Elizabeth’s journey will lead to better understanding and treatment of SMAS, and help other children facing similar challenges. “I’m hoping this is going to be a big breakthrough for Canada,” Schiestel said, with a hopeful outlook for the future.