BLANKETED IN LOVE

District I Geniigaanigizig youth made tie blankets for children of Ronald McDonald House

Story and photos by Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor

In late September, the Geniigaanizijig youth of District I wanted to honor Child Cancer Awareness Month in a meaningful way. Led by youth leader Bugs Haskins, they decided to make tie blankets for children at the Ronald McDonald House.

The Ronald McDonald House provides a caring home away from home for families with seriously ill or injured children, helping keep families together and easing stress during difficult times.

The project was especially meaningful for five-year-old Band member Binesiikwe Harrington, who has been battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, for several years. During her treatment, she and her parents, Daphne Shabaiash and Bradley Harrington, benefited from the services of the Ronald McDonald House through Minneapolis Children's Hospital. Bing has completed her chemotherapy treatments and will be having a surgery on December 5 to remove her port. "She is doing great!" Harrington said. "She is back in school and has taken up ballet, gymnastics and tap dancing."

The youth created and gifted blankets to the Ronald McDonald House in her honor. Ronald McDonald was on hand to receive the blankets. Youth members Zenay Monchomp and Senicka Hardy gave the introductions.

"On behalf of Mille Lacs Band Geniigaanizijig, we ask that you accept the tie blankets us kids have made and distribute them to patients at the Ronald McDonald House for them to enjoy. Please let them know we are thinking of them and wish them the best," said Zenay Monchomp.

"Welcome to our Geniigaanizijig program, Ronald. Geni-igaanizijig means 'changing lives.' We cannot change the lives or situations the kids at Ronald McDonald House are facing, but we can extend our hopes and prayers that they are comfortable and at peace during the unseen battles they fight every day," said Senicka Hardy.