A FATHER is taking his son, who was struck down with an encephalitis virus after a mosquito bite, on a pilgrimage of hope to Lourdes.
Matthew Creevey of Tarragindi in Brisbane will take five year-old son Harrison to Lourdes next month with prayers for a miracle.
Harrison is unable to speak and is a quadriplegic after contracting a form of encephalitis as the result of being bitten by a mosquito in Mt Isa two and a half years ago. The virus affected his brain so that he is unable to move his muscles.
The hopes of Harrison’s family have been raised since they learned early this month he will have a chance of visiting Lourdes.
This is due to the generosity of Catholic Leader readers throughout Australia who have donated to an appeal to send Greenslopes woman Susan Gunderson on a pilgrimage to Lourdes.
Susan, a wife and mother of two, has similar disabilities to Harrison as a result of a brain haemorrhage seven years ago.
She was aware of Harrison’s situation because Steven was one of the volunteers helping with the boy’s daily therapy, and she was delighted that he and his father would have the chance to join the pilgrimage.
A fundraising concert will be held at St Joachim’s Parish Hall, Holland Park on August 29 at 7pm. Tickets are $20 and are available from St Joachim’s School.
Donations can be sent to the Susan Gunderson Appeal c/o St Joachim’s School, PO Box 134, Holland Park, Qld 4121, or by phoning Nicole King on (07) 3342 0777.
