10-year-old 'philanthropist' defies health problems while raising $75K for Children's Hospital
'We all have heroes in our life. You just don't expect your hero to be your child.'
CBC's virtual road trip series Land of Living Stories explores the hidden gems across Saskatchewan. Reporter Janani Whitfield hit the road to Carlyle in search of inspiring stories of community spirit.
At just 10 years of age, Blaze Dunn has been in and out of hospitals more than some will ever be in their lifetime.
Through it all, he's kept up an indomitable spirit, saying he always shares the same three tips for other sick kids: "Never give up, never go down, and always keep trying."
Blaze is not just talking the talk; he's walking the walk.
Two years ago, he was struck by a truck and trailer while riding his bike, a collision that left him with a broken femur and humerus. Since then, Blaze has come back like a dynamo, raising more than $75,000 and counting for the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital in Saskatoon that supported him in his time of need.
"I feel like I'm helping a lot of lives," he said.
Blaze was born with clubfeet and strabismus (commonly known as cross-eyed). Both required surgery and for Blaze to wear corrective casts for the first two years of his life.
Coming on top of all the other health challenges he's faced, the bone-breaking collision on his bike was just another shock for his family, said his mother, Carole-Lyne Dunn.
"There's nothing worse than knowing your child is in pain and you can't do anything about it. You can't kiss it better," she said, "so you just hold each other and hope for the best."
Fortunately, he was able to access top quality care at Children's Hospital, where he met other children struggling with their own health issues.
During one stay at the hospital he saw a wall featuring photos and names of donors, prompting him to ask his mother who the people were. She explained they were philanthropists.
"I suggested I wanna help and do that. So let's open lemonade stands and bake sales to help donate," he said.
His mom figured that since her son was nine years old, it might be reasonable to expect to raise $9,000.
"We blew past that in under a month," she said, laughing, as she recalled the past two years of making and selling homemade goodies — all crafted with love, as Blaze is quick to point out.
The community has galvanized its fundraising efforts around Blaze, knowing that he's never going to quit and never going to take no for an answer, his mom said.
"You can ask anybody here today [about] what is Blaze like and they're going to tell you he's the happiest kid you've ever met, despite everything he's been through," she said.
She said she tries to see the world through his eyes, with optimism and faith that things will work out.
"We all have heroes in our life," she said, glancing down at her smiling son, tucking himself under her shoulder. "You just don't expect your hero to be your child."
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