Dancing for the Children’s: Saint-Laurent resident has a personal reason to give back
For fourteen years, a mother of three from Bois-Franc has been wanting to give back to the Montreal Children’s Hospital. This February, the Dancing with the Stars Just for Kids event has finally given her the opportunity she’s been waiting for.
When Helen Kastanis gave birth to her third child 14 years ago, it didn’t take long for her to realise that something wasn’t right. I could sense that something was wrong, her eyes were a little bit displaced,” explained Kastanis. Following her instincts, Kastanis brought then nine-month old Melina to the Montreal Children’s Hospital where Dr. Jean-Pierre Farmer diagnosed the baby with Trigonocephaly, a rare congenital condition where the four sutures of her skull were fused. The condition can cause eyesight issues, a cone like deformity and issues with cognitive development.
Her surgery was prioritized. “Wait a minute,” said Kastanis. “Are you telling me you’re going to take my daughter’s skull out, crack it, and put it back? He looked at me and said ‘that’s exactly what I’m going to do.’”
The tears were rolling down Kastanis’ face as she heard more about the eight-to-10 hour surgery. She knew Melina was in good hands, however, when Dr. Farmer stepped out of surgery mid-way to let the parents know everything was going well. They also followed Melina for five years after the surgery.
That was 14 years ago, now, the only proof of the experience is a scar on Melina’s forehead that is covered by her long hair.
Dancing shoes
The social worker used to volunteer helping parents at the Children’s but she always wanted to do more.
“I said to myself: I don’t know how, I don’t know when, but one day I’m going to be working here.” She got her dream about eight years later, when she transitioned to hospitals, and eventually, the Children’s hospital.
Every year, the Dancing with the Stars, Just for Kids event raises money for new equipment for different departments. This year, their goal is $500,000 for the Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Cranio-Facial Surgery and the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), half of which they aim to raise through this one event.
For Kastanis’ part, she has raised $1,415 out of her goal of $2,500 though she’s a little nervous to get on the dance floor. It’s been over 25 years since she last performed, at her high school talent show. “I’m good in the emergency room, but put me on the dance floor, shaking my butt . . . I have two left feet and I’m really nervous,” she laughed.
The Dancing with the Starts Just for Kids event takes place Tuesday, Feb. 2nd at Le Salon, 550 Richmond at 6:30. Tickets are $195 and are available through the JFK office 514-989-7673.
