Local Hero: Thornhill teacher organizes charity event for student’s major surgery

When Stephanie Celli found out her student Chenoa Buldum was within reach of life-changing surgery that could make her dream of walking a reality, she didn’t hesitate to help make it happen. 

“She’s an amazing kid, always smiling, never letting her disability get to her,” Celli said. 

The Ventura Park Public School Grade 1 student was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was only 18 months old and has never been able to walk independently. The surgery is set for Aug. 11 in St. Louis, Mo.

In just five weeks, Celli organized the school-wide event Chenoa’s Walk in June. Celli enlisted 15 other Ventura Park Public School teachers, who decided to form an official fundraising committee.

The walk raised over $11,000 in cash and cheque donations alone, Celli said. In addition, online donations from the walk have grown to about $15,000 on the fundraising website GoFundMe.

“Chenoa told me it was the best day of her life,” Celli said. 

The GoFundMe account has raised nearly $65,000 to date, edging closer every day toward the $150,000 needed to cover the costs of the surgery and the six-month-long physical therapy enabling Chenoa to walk independently for the first time in her life.  

The success of Chenoa’s Walk has fuelled Celli and her committee of teachers to continue fundraising efforts, as the group is currently brainstorming future events.

For more information or to donate, go to the GoFundMe page

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