Local children and adults alike donned their finest clothes, to support an important cause, during the Estevan Kinettes Club’s second annual Princess Ball for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) on Jan. 27 at the Beefeater Plaza.
Approximately 150 people gathered for an afternoon of dancing and other fun activities. Many of those in attendance were young girls who were dressed as their favourite princesses, and their mothers, some of whom were also sporting their princess attire.
But there were also fathers and a few princes in the crowd.
The princesses enjoyed having their nails done, getting their face painted, having their pictures taken, dancing to their favourite songs, getting glitter tattoos, making crafts and eating at a snack bar.
“I thought it went great,” said Kinette Angela Bresciani. “It all came together well, with a lot of the volunteers who came out.”
Local Kinettes and other volunteers were also dressed as princesses and princes, adding to the atmosphere of the event.
The feedback they received has been excellent, Bresciani said. She noted the VIPs were admitted about 45 minutes early, giving them a little more time to interact, and start some of the activities.
Bresciani said she was also pleased with the support the community showed for the event, with roses for those in attendance, and door prizes and other gifts.
The Kinettes don’t have a tally as of yet for the amount of money raised, but Bresciani said the raffle raised more than $1,000. Proceeds will be directed towards Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
The Princess Ball was also an opportunity to boost awareness of CF. Liam MacIntyre, a local seven-year-old boy who has CF, spoke to the crowd about living with the disease. His mother, Kasey, served as the emcee, and offered some information on the condition.
“Cystic fibrosis is the most common, fatal, inherited, genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults,” said Casey. “It is a multi-system disease that affects mainly the lungs and the digestive system.”
It is most devastating in the lungs, she said since there is a buildup of thick mucus that can cause severe respiratory problems. Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive track, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food.
Since Liam was diagnosed with CF, Kasey said they have undergone a real learning curve and have adapted to a new normal, but they also have a new appreciation for the phrase “learn, love and believe.”
Liam told the audience that he hopes they can learn more about CF. He noted he undergoes physiotherapy, and his instructor makes it fun. He also has to travel to Regina every three months.
“I hope you can raise awareness for cystic fibrosis, so that more people know about cystic fibrosis,” said Liam.
Nicole Wright, who is Liam’s medical social worker at the Regina General Hospital and a specialist in CF care, was the guest speaker for the event. Casey MacIntyre noted that Wright’s support has been invaluable.
“Families who live with or support someone with CF become health-care experts,” said Wright. “They transform from mom, dad, auntie and grandpa to nurse, social worker, pharmacist and dietician. They face critical health issues on a daily basis, and they weather the crisis that is part of living with chronic illness.”
Wright noted she works with a dedicated group of people who have 19 child patients from across southern Saskatchewan.
The support shown at events like the Princess Ball are very important, Wright said, since they will lead to changes in the lives of people with CF
