Ontario Community Newspapers

Oakville Beaver, 10 Nov 2016, p. 5

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Red balloon travels from here to New Brunswick by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Thursday, November 10, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com A red balloon released during an Oakville boy's fundraising event for cancer research Sunday, Oct. 30 has mysteriously made it all the way to Saint John, New Brunswick where the child's grandmother is buried. Costumed kids and their families took to the streets of downtown Oakville the day before Halloween to support Liam Cuttle and the Liam's Brigade fundraiser he inspired, which raises funds for pediatric cancer research. The local boy has been fighting neuroblastoma, an aggressive childhood cancer, since turning three years old in 2014. He is currently in remission and joined his friends and family dressed as a Star Wars Storm Trooper. During the fundraiser a few balloons bearing the "Liam's Brigade" lettering got loose and drifted up into the air. One day later Violet Watson of Saint John connected with Liam's family on Facebook. "Your balloon reached Saint John New Brunswick! I did some searching when I found the balloon on my lunch," wrote Watson. "Keep fighting Liam!" What is stranger than the balloon's rapid trip to Saint John is the connection the family has with the area. Liam's great-grandfather was Dr. Joe MacDou- raised in Saint John and just lost her battle to cancer in April. We held her services in Saint John. This is amazing." Liam's mother Heather Anderson-Cuttle said Suzanne and Liam were both diagnosed with cancer on the same day and fought the dreaded illness together. "They had a very special connection," she said. "It just seems like a sign that she is looking down on him." In another strange coincidence Liam's grandfather Jim Cuttle (Suzanne's husband) just happened to be in Saint John when the balloon was discovered. "He was in Saint John because Suzanne's family was having a memorial for her on Monday (Oct. 31)," said Heather. "So he connected with the woman who found it and went to meet her." A Liam's Brigade balloon floated from Oakville to Saint John, New Brunswick in one day where Liam has family connections. | Facebook Watson gave the balloon to Jim during that meeting. What does Liam make of all this? His mother said while this strange occurrence has thrown all the adults around him for a loop Liam is not really surprised. He had a close relationship with his grandmother, said Heather, so to him it makes sense the balloon would make its way to her. Heather said other members of her family, particularly on Andrew's side, have been deeply moved by the journey of this little red balloon. "When someone passes away you are looking for a sign," said Heather. "It's like she was speaking to them." Anyone interested in making a donation through the Liam's Brigade fundraiser can visit http://www.sickkidsfoundation.com/page/LiamsMonsterMarch or www.LiamsBrigade.com/ MonsterMarch. Reduce Reuse Recycle gall, a former Saint John mayor. There was also an even closer connection. "This is very unbelievable," wrote Liam's father Andrew Cuttle on Facebook. "My mother (Suzanne Cuttle) was born and INJURED? I Can Help! YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca PLATINUM Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law

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