Boy getting a chance for a better life

An Okotoks boy may not understand his community is helping to give him a better life this weekend, but there is a good chance he will be smiling anyway.

At four years old, Ryker Menzies communicates through a series of sounds, suffers from frequent muscle spasms, is in a wheelchair because hes unable to walk or sit on his own and is constantly on painkillers.

This has been Rykers reality since infancy due to a severe case of cerebral palsy, and his parents Tiffany Boyd and Jamie Menzies are hopeful stem cell therapy treatment in Panama City will improve his muscle movement, vision and speech.

Unfortunately, they havent been able to afford the procedure living on one income while Boyd cares for Ryker.

To help pay for the $15,600 treatment, the couple is organizing a mini-market at the Foothills Centennial Centre on June 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and inviting the community to check out an abundance of second-hand items and products from home-based and privately-owned businesses for an entry fee of $2.

Money will also be raised through a food vendor, numerous raffle tickets for prizes including vacations and toys, and items donated by residents. Okotoks singer Emily Gryba will perform at the event.

Ive been getting a lot of calls from people donating stuff to the market to sell there, as well as a few online donations, said Boyd. We will just set up about five tables and have family run them. The proceeds will go to Ryker.

Boyd said she is ecstatic at the amount of community support for Rykers stem cell treatment. An online fund she established called Raise for Rykstar collected $1,300, with another $2,000 donated by family, friends and community members.

The feedback has been fantastic, she said. Were already at $3,500.

As the family gets closer to reaching their financial goal, Boyd is eager to book an appointment to give Ryker the best life possible. She said she was told they will have an appointment within a month or two of making the call.

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Boy getting a chance for a better life