A Tiverton family is counting on local support to raise 37 thousand dollars by the end of the month for their severely disabled child.
Six year-old Daniel Smith suffers from a rare brain formation disorder, a cleft palate, difficulties breathing, club feet and numerous other heatlh issues.
And the only bathroom in his family’s home is located on the second floor, which can only be accessed by a steep, narrow staircase.
His mother, Futen Angela Smythe-Spiridakis says she’s already fallen twice taking her son up the stairs, and she won’t allow the caregivers to carry him as it becomes a liability.
She says it’s taking a toll on her emotions, as she tries to work full-time at McDonald’s in Kincardine to support Daniel.
She says he’s her miracle and she and anyone who’s ever met him thinks he’s the most wonderful boy in the world.
Angela says Kincardine and District Community Living have helped her apply for 15-thousand dollars worth of funding from the Ontario March of Dimes.
The money will be used to renovate the back addition of their house, and essentially turn it into a hospital room with a full bath and a ceiling track to help lift Daniel.
However, the back portion of their house was deemed unsafe and has to be entirely rebuilt.
The family only has until the end of the month to come up with 37 thousand dollars to pay for the rest, or the March of Dimes will pull their contribution, and the family will have to pay the full 52 thousand for the project.
Donations can be dropped off at any TD Canada Trust to the “Daniel Smith in Trust” fund.
They can be made payable to Futen Smythe-Spiridakis or Phyllis Marusiak-Smythe In Trust.
