One-Year Old’s Walkathon for the IWK
UPDATED WITH A CORRECTED TIMELINE.
To say that one-year old Gabby Trenholm is a fighter is a tremendous understatement. Now she is the youngest to wear a fire hat and a Pugwash firefighter badge.
The daughter of Shelby and Brodie Trenholm of Northport spent the first year of her life in and out of the IWK Children’s Hospital, undergoing two open heart operations.
Three days after her second surgery — while still in the hospital — little “Gabby” stood up and walked. She was just ten and a half months old. Not only did she take her first steps, now aged one, she is putting on the miles and you can’t stop her.
The family has started a fundraising campaign in support of the IWK. Shelby says, “It is truly incredible the work they do there.” She added, “They offer phenomenal care.”
The campaign —called Gabby’s Walkathon — is taking mother and daughter throughout the community, visiting long-term care homes, businesses, and other places to draw support.
Last night, it was the Pugwash Fire Department to receive a donation from the local fire fighters. They passed the traditional fire boot for “Gabby’s Walkathon”.
The one-year old was adopted into the firefighter family as she wandered all over the equipment bay, inspecting the fire trucks and showing great interest in the spray from a wildfire backpack. The firefighters were in awe of her energy and walking ability, just days from taking her first steps.
Gabby’s campaign will end with an actual walkathon, on May 30th, at the Northport Elementary School as children are canvassing support for the children’s hospital.
Gabby and her mother will present the proceeds the next day at the IWK when Gabby returns for her post-op check-up.
The photo shows Gabby and Shelby with firefighter Bobby Carter.
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