Central Albertans are encouraged to savour the taste of summer and help critically ill children on Miracle Treat Day at participating Dairy Queen locations on Aug 10.
Every year on Miracle Treat Day proceeds from Blizzard sales go to local children’s hospital foundations to support specialized equipment, programs, training and research.
Meghan Haggas, 9, who was diagnosed with high-risk leukemia in February 2020, and her older brother Ryan will take part in Miracle Treat Day at the Red Deer Dairy Queen, at 69 Dunlop St., at 4 p.m.
Meghan went through two-and-a-half years of daily chemotherapy and weekly trips to Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary for spinal taps. She finished the active phase of her treatment in June 2022, but still needs regular blood work, checkups and echocardiograms.
“Sometimes it can feel very isolating because you’re on your own little journey. When the community comes out to support medical families by purchasing a Blizzard, it means a lot,” said her mom Sue.
She said it’s important to share Meghan’s story. Families need excellent, supportive medical teams, and the staff at the province’s children’s hospitals really know what they’re doing.
“The people at (Alberta Children’s Hospital) are the ones who were her support network. They’re great. The least we can do to is spread the news about Miracle Treat Day.”
She said there’s also some amazing cancer research happening for kids. Meghan’s first bone marrow sample the day she was diagnosed may someday help develop a vaccine for leukemia.
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Money raised at Red Deer Dairy Queens is split between the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation in Calgary and the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation in Edmonton.
Red Deer franchises raised $1 million through the years as of about five years ago, and last year they raised just over $110,000.
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Respite care staff to return to Calgary facility after helping at children’s hospital
Sue said Meghan was very healthy before her cancer diagnosis. High-risk leukemia comes on fast and has a high risk of recurrence, but Meghan has regular tests to monitor her health and ensure quick access to treatment if it is ever necessary.
“She’s having a really great summer. She feels good. She’s able now to play with the other kids. That’s what we want. Just for her to be able to be a kid.”
On Thursday Meghan and her brother will spend some time behind the Dairy Queen counter to make a Blizzard for their mom and dad.
“Sometimes they’ll mix a whole bunch of crazy stuff into it because they get to do whatever they want. It’s pretty awesome,” Sue said.
