Call them the 210 Musketeers.
Approximately that many people attended the Chad Kendrick fundraiser Saturday at the Turner Valley Royal Canadian Legion so the Black Diamond business owner can receive stem cell therapy to treat ALS.
“We are all in this together,” said David Campbell, a close friend of Chad Kendrick. “It’s all for one and one for all. That’s what this is all about.”
Chad and his wife Erin have lived in Turner Valley for the last three-and-a-half years. He was diagnosed with ALS two months ago, virtually the same day they started their new coffee shop, the Westwood, and about three months after the birth of their first child, River.
“This isn’t about me, this is about the community,” Kendrick said. “It’s overwhelming – to see this much love in room. To see so many people in one place to help someone, someone a lot of these people hardly know. How do you describe something like this?”
Approximately $26,000 was raised through the fundraiser.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
Chad said he is having problems with his hands and arms in the early stages.
“It’s a learning curve for sure,” Chad said.
While Chad and family was in everyone’s hearts, it was a festive evening featuring the Legion’s home-cooking, laughter and plenty of hugs.
Old-style country artist Tim Hus and local singer Jake Vance also performed at the evening.
The event was organized by Jolene Friesen and Shaun Robinson.
“The day after grand opening of The Westwood (the former Stop) it was announced Chad had ALS and there was such an outpouring from the community right from the get-go,” Jolene said. “We got a team of six people together and in three weeks, we were able to do this.”
It’s was nothing the Kendricks wouldn’t have done for someone.
“They have done so much for the community,” Friesen said.
Besides from owning The Stop, the Kendricks also run Treeline Outdoors in Turner Valley.
The couple have remained friends with the Kendricks despite Erin trying to bring someone else to the biggest celebration of Jolene and Shaun’s life.
“They came to our wedding and Erin went into labour that night,” Jolene said with a smile.
One of Chad’s best friends, Andy Best made the trip from Oregon for the celebration in Turner Valley. He established a successful Gofundme page.
“People say it’s really great that I am here helping out, but Chad would be the very first to do this – times 10,” Best said.
“What I love about this collective is the effort is for the betterment of the man we all care for.”
The overwhelming support from the Black Diamond-Turner Valley community, friends and family has helped the Kendricks.
“We have been so lucky - the community has banded together,” Erin said. “So much love and support. It has made a hard time a lot easier.”
Proceeds from the evening will go towards Chad getting treatment in the United States and to cover any other expenses. Anyone wishing to make a donation can go to Bohemia or One on One hair studio in Black Diamond. There is also an etransfer at [email protected]
