On November 4th, Lion Steven Yu of Toronto Cathay Lions Club and his wife Odette at the pledge of PDG Dr. Kai Ming Kan had the opportunity to perform a good Lion deed early in the morning at the Pearson International Airport. Steven want to thank PDG Bill Allison for starting this project during his term as a district governor in response to PDG Peter Wallis of New Minas & District Lions Club District N2. Steven also wants to thank PDG Rosenthal, DG Mark Gunby, and Region Chair Joan Brent, particularly Lion Joan Brent who did a wonderful job in making our visitors from Halifax feel right at home in Toronto.

Mary Hiltz and her daughter Samantha had been going through the darkest moment of their life. She gave birth to Samantha 14 months ago, but Samantha suffered from some damaged neck and shoulder nerves (four of them), which left her paralyzed on the right side of her body, as well as some torn muscles due to complication during delivery. Later on, the otherwise healthy baby was flown to Toronto to undergo a 14 hour surgery at the Sick Kids Hospital, a trip that was made possible by PDG Peter Wallis and PDG Bill who have a great passion and desire to serve those less fortunate than they.

Lion Steven and his wife had the privilege of picking up Mary and Samantha at the airport and escorting them to the Hospital for a follow up check up. Samantha was content sitting in the stroller. She was now a normal, inquisitive, and cute looking baby and you wouldn’t know that she had gone through such a serious operation not long ago. Steven is glad to report that Samantha passed her follow up check up with flying colors and she is regaining the use of her right arm and leg; she is now expected to make a full recovery.

Leaving from Halifax to Toronto at 5:00 am (Halifax time) was tough for both mother and child, but they were in good spirit when Steven met with them, even though Mary is going through a divorce and Samantha needs someone to take care of her constantly.

Steven is glad Lion Joan took them after the medical check up to her apartment and fed them. They needed a break and the Lion provided it for them. According to Lion Joan, they were both happy up to the time when Mary passed out at the airport, which, Steven were told, happens to her from time to time due to allergies. All in all, Mary and Samantha are now safe and they returned home with much to be thankful for. Thank you, Lions; Toronto Cathay Lion Club was glad to serve.