A little boy and his family, who live in Seaforth, are discovering today just how much their community supports them.
Five-year-old Dean O'Reilly doesn't walk or talk, and it’s a condition that's baffling doctors. Dean also suffers from seizures and developmental delays, and needs help getting in and out of the family car.
“Some days it's tough. He goes to a lot of medical appointments and to a lot of family activities so it's a lot of in and out of the van for him. To make one step easier would be amazing,” Dean’s mom, Charlene O’Reilly says.
So, a group of volunteers from Huron County decided to host something they called ‘Drive for Dean’, inspired by the growing family's need for transportation.
It took organizers just 2 months put the event together, with the goal to raise $50,000 towards a new wheelchair accessible van one that can accommodate the whole family.
“Everyone knows everybody, and when times get tough they just help out. It's overwhelming actually, the people have been so generous,” says event organizer Alan Carter.
The O'Reilly's say they are amazed and humbled by the all support.
“You know they say it takes a village to raise a child. We are really lucky that we’re part of a lot of great villages of people. We have never felt alone, they have always included Dean,” Charlene adds.
