KELOWNA, B.C. – A 40-year-old Okanagan man is attempting to create something beautiful out of something tragic.
In July, Kevin Littlechilds had a sudden grand mal seizure while sitting in his Kelowna living room with his family.
When he awoke, doctors were preparing him for brain surgery to attempt to remove a stage four glioblastoma tumor. He was given between three months and a year to live.
With his future uncertain, the father of two wants to make an annual tradition with his daughter into a legacy for the community.
Three years ago, Littlechilds helped create The Pumpkin Ball, a father-daughter dance.
“I had never felt that I would have ever felt so close to a daughter,” said Littlechilds.
This year’s event on Oct. 23 may be the last one he enjoys with his young daughter.
The community has come together to take over organizing the event at the Mission Hall in Kelowna.
“It’s an evening where a girl gets to be a princess and dad gets to be a hero,” event co-founder Jill Stickle said. “It has a really special meaning to all of us, this year in particular.”
“Isla looks at those pictures you know, from years back and just loves them. She keeps them in her room. They’re very special.”
Littlechilds said he looks forward to dancing with his daughter Sunday at the Pumpkin Ball and hopes the event continues to build relationships between fathers and their little girls.
He finds peace in knowing he will leave a legacy.
“I’m OK if I have to go, if I leave the world a better place.”
The event has also become a fundraiser for the B.C. Cancer Foundation with proceeds assisting brain cancer research.
Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.
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