A North Vancouver family is inviting community members of all ages to Hope, Sweat and Breathe, a yoga fundraiser and retail trade show to benefit MPS II research, Saturday, March 1. Deb and Ryan Purcell have long been advocating and fundraising for the cause following their son Trey's diagnosis with MPS II Hunter Syndrome, a rare and progressive disease, just before his second birthday. The couple feared the worst, told that as a result of Trey's condition, his hands would curl, his joints would stiffen, his airways would narrow, his heart would begin to fail and he would experience cognitive deterioration. They were also told he could have a short lifespan and that Trey may not make it to his 10th birthday. Ever since, the family has continued to rally the community and has so far raised more than $250,000 for MPS research.
The Purcells are beyond grateful for the level of support they continue to be shown. "Because this is all about fundraising for a cure for the disease my son has, anybody that does anything to support us in this journey, joins our family. They are in my heart," says Deb.
The family remains committed to their goal as Trey has continued to benefit from advances in research and despite his condition, which is an ongoing battle, he's an incredibly happy and active nine-year-old boy. For example, he's an avid soccer and baseball player, and enjoys Special Olympics swimming.
"He loves life," says Deb.
The Purcells have hosted a number of MPS II fundraisers over the years - Tacos for Trey for instance. This year, in light of Deb's job as a North Shore yoga instructor, they're holding their first family yoga fundraiser. The inaugural event is set for March 1, which is Trey's 10th birthday, at Lynn Valley elementary. "When I actually think back to everything that we've gone through and where we're at now, it's a huge big deal," says Deb.
Tickets are by-donation.
Exhibitors will be on hand from noon to 5:30 p.m. and a variety of yoga classes get underway at 1 p.m. Deb is pleased with the high-calibre of yoga teachers coming to the event, including Mike Nichols, Chris Duggan, Lindsay Collins and Melissa Donohoe. Funds raised from the event, which will also feature live music and food, will support The Isaac Foundation, MPS II Research Fund.
treypurcell.com
