SASKATOON – The deafening sound of silence passed over St. Augustine’s elementary school library Monday morning, as a slide show featuring a young, sometimes smiling, girl played on a large projector screen. The pictures were of Naomi Lendvay, a Grade 2 student not in attendance because she’s currently battling paediatric cancer.
“When I go to school, I just really hope Naomi’s just always going to be there,” said Grade 2 student Kelsey Wall, minutes after the slide show concluded.
Lendvay was diagnosed in the summer of 2015 and is now in the midst of chemotherapy treatment, according to Claudette Levers, her grandmother.
“You have no idea how to react, because you have no idea how serious it is, how long it’s going to last,” said Levers.
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Lendvay’s family will soon get extra support in their battle against paediatric cancer. On Monday, officials with MD Ambulance announced they will mark their 40th anniversary by partnering with the Saskatoon Blades in an effort to raise money for the Lendvay’s at Tuesday’s game.
“We’ve got a beautiful little girl who’s incredibly courageous that we all want to show our support and love for,” said Steve Hogel, president of the Blades.
“Sure, we suit up and we try to win games in the WHL, but in the greater, grander scheme of things, there’s our community that we love and care for.”
The plan to mark the milestone with a fundraiser was organized by Troy Davies, the public affairs director for MD ambulance. His wife teaches at St. Augustine School and his daughter is also a student there. He said Tuesday’s event is two-fold.
“It’s great for Naomi, but it’s also very important to her family that we really highlight paediatric cancer and that’s what we’re doing,” said Davies.
Proceeds from a jersey auction on Tuesday and 50/50 ticket sales will go towards the Lendvay family. Attendees will also receive a special “Naomi Hockey Card.”
“The community has just been beyond belief, absolutely beyond belief,” said Levers.
“The support has just come right left and centre.”
WATCH BELOW: Saskatoon Blades, MD Ambulance team up to help girl fighting cancer