March 17.
That’s a date one Campbell River family won’t soon forget.
It’s the day their young son was in a terrible accident and their lives were forever changed.
Ronnie Dunsmore and Cami Gareau were camping with their two-and-a-half year-old son, Riley Dunsmore, at Upper Campbell Lake on Sat., March 17 when the unthinkable happened.
Gareau was preparing dinner around the campfire when Riley tripped over a stick lying by the fire.
Jessica Taylor, a friend of the family, said Riley’s arm landed in the fire and the flames quickly spread through his body.
“His jacket then ignited and went up in flames,” Taylor said.
“Cami’s quick response was to grab Riley and continue with the ‘drop and roll’ to put her burning son out.”
Gareau drove Riley to Campbell River Hospital and the pair were quickly flown to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.
“Little Riley suffered severe burns to his face, neck, eyes, ears, mouth, cheeks, hands and arms,” Taylor said.
“On March 22, Riley received his first of several burn baths. The family returned home on Tues., March 27 but have to go back to Children’s hospital. His recovery is just in the process of starting.”
Now the family needs the help and support of the community.
Riley has a long road of treatments and recovery ahead of him.
One such treatment is hyperbaric oxygenation therapy which can be done in Victoria.
Taylor says the treatment improves the body’s natural healing process by the inhalation of 100 per cent oxygen in a pressurized chamber.
The only problem is the therapy is one of the treatments Riley needs that is not covered by medical insurance.
It is up to the family to pay for each treatment, Taylor says.
“As a community we need to ‘Rally for Riley,’” Taylor said.
“This appalling incident has put this family in need of community support, emotionally and financially.
As you can imagine, this has put an enormous financial burden on the family.”
A group of family friends are organizing a silent auction and dance, featuring Pat Palmer and his band Kick It, at the Quinsam Hall on April 14 at 7 p.m. in support of the family.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets cost $20 per person. Tickets must be bought in advance at either the Quinsam Liquor Store, Smart Style Salon, Bubble’s Laundry or Video Gallery at Saratoga.
Friends are also looking for donations from local businesses as prizes for the silent auction table.
Donations to the family can also be made at the TD bank, branch no. 9038, account no. 6391682. Cheques payable to both Tina Adams and Candie Dunsmore, the executors of the funds for Rally for Riley.
In addition, the Campbell River Bottle Depot has an account, Rally for Riley, where bottle returns can be donated.
There is also a Facebook page, Rally for Riley, so the community can stay up to date with fundraisers and Riley’s progress.
To donate to the silent auction contact Candie Dunsmore (250) 923-2662, Tina Adams (250) 202-8462, or Tanya Shannon (250) 202-6248.