Skip to content

Community raising funds for Rosemont youngster

Alistair Bellefeuille’s health has deteriorated as tumour grows.
59028westernstar160504-KWS-Alistair2
Rosemont Elementary’s Alistair Bellefeuille has a brain tumour

Over 700 people currently follow the Facebook group Alistair the Great, a community resource for everyone aiming to support a Rosemont youngster with a brain tumour.

On that page there are updates about Alistair Bellefeuille, motivational pictures and videos, as well as updates from his hospital visits and his travels. Recently he posted a photo with the caption “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Smoothie,” showcasing his new feeding tube.

“He’s not doing very well right now,” his mother Jasanna Dobbyn told the Star from the Vancouver hospital where Alistair was being treated. “He can’t walk, he can barely talk and his tumour has grown.”

Dobbyn said her son appreciated a recent playdate with his best friend Milo Jarvis and temporarily being back in his kindergarten class. He’s an immensely popular kid, and plenty of people are keeping him in mind.

“I appreciate the support more than he does,” said Dobbyn. “He’s a really one-track mind, strong-willed kid and he may not be doing very well but I still have hope for him.”

On the Facebook page, parents and friends have sent Alistair messages, letting him know they’re thinking about him and praying for his recovery.

“Kayla hopes you are home soon,” Kristine Kanigan posted. “She wants you to come to her birthday party.”

This year her daughter has decided to forego gifts in favour of a toonie (or more) donation to Alistair’s support fund. There’s also a burger and beer event at Finley’s on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. all proceeds will go to his family.

Dobbyn has received financial support through a variety of community initiatives, including a YouCaring site called “Alistair the Great.”

She’s currently looking for vegetables and fruit that can be turned into smoothies for Bellefeuille’s return to Nelson.

Dobbyn had the following to say about her family’s situation: “His mom loves him very much and I haven’t given up on him. I’m doing everything I can do to keep him here with me.”