Hope for the future is being provided in the present for a Richmond family, thanks to Variety — The Children’s Charity.
Ruth Nicolas and Ryan Luther Velilla, who moved to Richmond in 2013, are getting assistance for their six-year-old daughter, Patricia, who has a genetic disorder called Phelan-McDermind Syndrome which affects her speech. She has also been diagnosed with autism.
“I worry about the future a lot, for Patricia,” said Nicolas. “But with the help from Variety we have speech therapy lessons for her once a week. And it’s helping.”
Born prematurely, Patricia spent the first two weeks of her life in a hospital incubator. And although she seemed to be a happy and healthy baby, her parents noticed that as she grew, her language skills were not developing normally.
The assistance she is getting now has helped Patricia, a Grade 1 student at Grauer elementary school, communicate and comprehend better in her daily life. At school, she has the help of an educational assistant
“When she cannot say what she wants, Patricia uses a book with pictures,” Nicolas said. “She opens it up and points to what she wants, especially at snack time if there’s something she would like to eat.”
The family is just one of many Variety assists with programs they would not normally be able to afford. Much of that funding is raised during the Annual Variety Show of Hearts Telethon, taking place on Global BC on Feb. 14 and 15.
This year marks the event’s 49th fundraiser which over the years has provided a total of $170 million for life-saving, life-changing and life-enriching support.
“We are very grateful for the help Variety has been able to give us with Patricia,” Nicolas said, adding the assistance is especially welcomed after having a second child, a five-month-old baby brother.
“The Show of Hearts Telethon is our biggest fundraising event of the year,” said Bernice Scholten, executive director of Variety in a press release. “We see each child as a champion, capable of achieving remarkable success.”
Beginning at 6 p.m. on Feb. 14, and winding up the next day at 5 p.m., the two-day show features heartwarming stories of children in B.C. helped by Variety - The Children’s Charity, concerts showcasing the music industry’s biggest stars, and innovative ways for viewers to engage with the show — including winning a new car. Visit variety.bc.ca for full contest details.
