A Winnipeg school has come together to support a former student who was recently diagnosed with a ‘rare, aggressive form of cancer.’
On Saturday, École Lansdowne School put on a volleyball tournament to raise funds for 18-year-old Adrian Allard.
“Adrian is an 18-year-old boy who should be focusing on his volleyball and upcoming graduation, but unfortunately is spending most of his senior year in and out of hospital fighting an extremely courageous battle,” said a post on a GoFundMe page set up to support Allard and his family.
Ryden Marko, a physical education teacher at the school, organized the 12-team co-ed tournament for Grade 8 students. He taught Allard when he attended the school. The 18-year-old is currently a student at Sisler High School.
“He’s a great kid, loves sports, likes helping out. He’s volunteering in our gym still, comes to Landsowne and helps out in my phys-ed classes. Likes to give back, shows kids how to play volleyball, plays soccer with the kids. Just all around great kid, great family,” said Marko.
The GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family pay for medical costs and “all the other costs that may be associated with his battle against this disease.”
Marko said Allard’s mother is a teacher at Landsowne. The GoFundMe page said the funds raised will also help subsidize for loved ones being off work.
“Adrian is an incredible young man who loves volleyball and his family and friends. He is especially close with his younger sister,” said the post on the GoFundMe page.
Marko said the number of people who attended the tournament and helped fundraise, means a lot. Students wore colour-coordinated uniforms with Allard's name and number, 12, on their backs. Each team had a different colour.
“It shows that a lot of people have support for him and his family. We will be behind him from until he beats it,” he said.
Marko hopes the event will raise $2,500 for the boy and his family.
