How did they do it?

I will get the inside scoop later this morning on the remarkable effort to raise funds for Bo Cooper's leukaemia treatment.  My guest on IMPACT on KAOS 91.1 at 10:30 am will be Rob van Hecke, Fire Captain, and spokesperson for the effort.   This 26-year-old firefighter fighting for his life captured minds, hearts and pocketbooks over the last couple of months.  Bo inspired giving in a way that we have never seen before.

A young fellow, originally from Placentia Bay, NL now living in Edmonton, is on a similar journey to the one Bo is on.  Connor McGrath is in the Stollery Hospital, trying to stay positive, and struggling against setbacks and a daunting road ahead.

Pearl Connors, a former colleague from Keyano College, asked if I would paint a portrait of Connor to offer hope and encouragement to him and his family.  She dropped by last night to pick up the finished painting and expressed what it means. Fundraisers are coming up here in Fort McMurray, and despite being on pins and needles about job security and suffering through difficult economic times, McMurrayites will give as they always do.

Perhaps my visit with Rob will shed some light on how their miracle came together, how they galvanized so much support, and how they continue to keep the momentum going.  At the very least, we will hear from a Fire Captain on how they refused to give up on one of their own.