Community supports Chetwynd resident needing triple bypass surgery

CHETWYND, B.C. — The community of Chetwynd is rallying around a local woman in need of triple bypass surgery.

Both a GoFundMe campaign and burger drive by local eatery Audielicious are raising funds for resident Debbie McLaren.

McLaren is in need of a triple bypass surgery.  McLaren was admitted to the Chetwynd General Hospital in late March after showing signs of a stroke.

According to her daughter, Amy Chmielewski, tests on McLaren made doctors determine she was at high risk for a heart attack. 

McLaren was transferred to hospital in Vancouver on March 31st, where she is awaiting triple bypass surgery. 

Additionally, a brother of Chmielewski is facing cancer for the second time, also being treated in Vancouver.

Designed as a way to help Debbie with bills and everyday expenses when she returns home, the crowdsourcing campaign launched in early April has generated $1,455 of its $4,500 goal.

“Our mom has always been someone who helps others, so it’s really hard seeing her go through this,” Chmielewski told Energeticcity.ca. “We just want to take some of that stress off her, help with expenses, travel, and make sure she has a safe and comfortable place to come home to so she can focus on healing.”

It has also prompted Audie Louie, local owner of Audielicious locations in the Peace region, into action.

A two-week burger drive at Audielicious’ Chetwynd location at 5413 South Access Road will donate $5 of every hamburger sold toward McLaren – who was described as “a local mom in need,” in a Facebook post about the drive – began April 21st.

Chmielewski also said the Royal Canadian Legion in Chetwynd will host a dance to raise funds for McLaren in late May.

The overwhelming response from the community has brought Chmielewski to tears when speaking about it.

“My heart is so full of happiness, and it makes me tear up,” said Chmielewski. “Because I honestly never expected it. I can’t thank [Audie Louie] enough and his staff enough for what they have done to help my mom.”

“He is new to our community, and having someone new come into the community and only be here a short time,  he has made a massive imprint in the community.”

To donate to the GoFundMe campaign, click its website link.