gailleroux

Stopping Pucks Was Easy Compared To What Gail Leroux Has Been Through In Her Life

   It was an absolute thrill for Gail Leroux, shown in the photo on the far left, when Ken Dryden signed his autograph on the poster she had made to promote the Cupid’s Night Valentine’s Dance she is organizing to raise money for the March of Dimes. Also in the picture are 84 year old, Gerty Burnett, and Gail’s husband, Al, standing. The dance will be held at the Centennial Arena on Saturday, February 4, 2006 from 8 p.m. to 1 p.m. Gail will be at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre every afternoon until January 28, 2006 selling tickets at $20 per person or $40 per couple. Half of the money will pay for expenses and the other half will be donated to the March of Dimes. Gail is hoping to sell 200 tickets for the dance which will feature music by Fran’s Dance Mix.

   Gail Leroux’s life changed forever when, at the age of 16, she was involved in a serious car accident which claimed the lives of two other teenagers and resulted in the eventual suicide of one of the others who ended up with brain damage. Even though Gail suffered broken bones in 108 places in her body, spend a whole year in hospital recovering, went through over 50 operations, and has endured over 40 years of intense pain, she claims that, “I wouldn’t want to change a thing about my life. I’m happy and I’ve got my faith.”

   She gives much of the credit for helping her get through all of the challenges she has faced in her life to her husband of 39 years, Al, who she met while in a wheelchair following the accident. He has stayed by her giving her support and love ever since. “My husband always says that as long as we can put our feet on the floor in the morning, we know we’re ok! I listen for his feet to touch the floor in the morning and I am happy. He does the same with me. What more could we ask from life?”

   Gail was born in Saskatchewan , but moved to Sudbury when she was very young. She has lived in Capreol for the past ten years, and has been pretty much wheelchair bound ever since moving to Capreol.

   “The March of Dimes has been so good to me,” explained Gail when asked why she was organizing this special fund-raising dance. “They helped me make my house and vehicle more wheel chair accessible. They have been absolutely wonderful to me, and I just wanted to give something back to them.

   Gail’s goal is to some day take her wheelchair and ride to Saskatchewan and back to raise money for Cancer and Heart research.

   People who purchase tickets can qualify for an Early Bird Draw if they buy before January 28. The winner of the first Early Bird Draw was Sandra and Bob Neville. They will be treated to a Limousine and Dinner for Two donated by the Ambassador Hotel and a dozen roses donated by Lougheed Flowers. Another winner will be drawn on January 28, 2006 .

   If anyone wishes to purchase tickets to help out with this wonderful cause, you can see Gail at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre every afternoon until January 28 or purchase tickets at the door on February 4 at the Centennial Arena.

Ken Dryden autographs poster which will be auctioned off during the dance being organized by Gail Leroux, shown in the background watching the famous hockey Hall of Famer.