Levi Burke is a six-year-old from here in Weyburn who’s battled his entire life. He was born with Hirschsprung disease, a disease that affects the lower intestine due to missing nerve cells in the intestines and colon, resulting in issues passing stool.
Despite this disease affecting many aspects of his life, including multiple stays in the hospital for surgeries, his spirit and determination continue to fly high. Levi is planned for a three-step surgery in Edmonton shortly. Unfortunately, the costs associated with these surgeries are also high.
Long road trips to Edmonton bring forth medical costs not covered by insurance, travel costs, lengthy hotel stays, and time off from work which undoubtedly impact the Burke’s finances. That’s why they’ve run a flurry of fundraisers over the last month or so to help offset these costs, including a BBQ fundraiser tomorrow afternoon. Cassidy Burke, mother of Levi, explains what will happen tomorrow.
“Tomorrow we are hosting a BBQ fundraiser behind the CUPE office. We are doing Smokies and a drink with cotton candy, and these proceeds are going towards his future medical costs. It starts at 11:00 AM and it goes on until 2:00 PM. You can park in the big parking lot behind the Pharmasave and if you look for balloons, it'll be right in behind there.”
“Levi is six years old and tougher than nails.” Burke says, “He's been fighting Hirschsprung disease, which has meant more than 10 surgeries in the past three years and a whole lot of bumps along the way. If you know Levi, you know he doesn't let any of that stop him. He has a wild, feisty spirit and a heart full of love. He's happiest out on the trails with his brothers, gardening with his moms, or in the yard helping his dad fix the trucks and probably getting covered in mud. There are many families like ours who live in and out of hospitals, and we hope by sharing our story we can help others understand this disease and remind people how much community support means to families like ours. We are so grateful for everyone's kindness, every bit of help gives their little fighter a chance to just be a kid and dream big for his future.”
There is a Facebook page created called Fundraising for Levi Burke which has more details surrounding the barbeque fundraiser tomorrow as well as other fundraisers in the future.