Sarah Pledge Dickson, LJI Journalist

Cheryl Smith and husband Pat Trimm made official the Kendyl Smith-Trimm Caring for Kids Endowment Fund on Saturday night at a fundraiser event in Chapeau in memory of their adopted daughter, who passed away of cancer last year.

Megan Doyle and Tatyana Awada, representatives from the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) were in attendance for the signing of the documents, and expressed their gratitude for the Smith-Trimm family who are starting this fund.

Smith said the support from CHEO throughout Kendyl’s care was incredible, and that it continued as they fundraised for this endowment fund, which is why they want to raise money for the institution.

“The care that Kendyl received at CHEO was second to none,” said Smith. “The staff we encountered, each and every one of them, were exceptional human beings.”

The money raised will go toward supporting families and children battling childhood cancer.

Months of fundraising all culminated in an evening of celebration for Smith-Trimm, who passed away following a battle with cancer in Aug. 2023 at eight years old. Smith-Trimm was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer, in Feb. 2022 and underwent 10 weeks of chemotherapy.

At the event, guests were treated to a late dinner and snacks, and had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for items donated from the community, including a kids’ car, a variety of cooking spices and accessories, gifts from local artists, and a large cooler full of beverages for a door prize.

The evening was full of live music, including the opening song, one of Kendyl’s favourite tunes by the Beatles, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.

“Although Kendyl’s physical presence is not here with us this evening, her spirit can be felt in this building tonight,” said Smith.

Smith invited the guests to the dance floor to participate in something Kendyl loved: a dance party to the lyrics of her favourite song.

“Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, La-la, how their life goes on.”