Port Colborne family fundraising to keep daughter’s memory alive in Hamilton

A Port Colborne family is trying to keep their daughter’s memory alive with a fundraiser in Hamilton planned for later this month.

A room at Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton is named after Kiesha Embrey, but it costs $5,000 a year to keep that sponsorship going.

“When you meet her, you would remember Kiesha — she just left that imprint on everyone that she has seen,” said Tammy Embrey, Kiesha’s mom.

Even though Embrey passed away back in 2023, at the age of 18, her memory still lives on in a room that’s named in her honour at the Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton.

“Her being honoured at the Ronald McDonald House, it’s really special to us,” said Chris Embrey, Kiesha’s dad. “I spent a lot of time at the House and it was a second home. We feel really honoured that her name is on a room at the house.”

“It’s a lifeline for families, when their children are sick in hospital,” said Ashleigh Doyle with the Ronald McDonald House. “They could be very far from home, and if you are here for a long time, it could be really stressful.”

The room’s official ribbon cutting took place last year, but her parents are now fundraising to help more families in need, who stay in the room named after their daughter.

“We have to raise $5,000 per year for the room, and out of that, the money goes back into the home to help families that can’t afford to stay there,” said Tammy.

To help raise money, Kiesha’s family is holding a fundraising event in Port Colborne, where they live, at the end of September.

“We’ve got prizes and lots of games, it’s going to be an 80s theme night, so dress up in your best costumes,” said Tammy.

While Kiesha had numerous disabilities, her parents say she beat the odds many times, and the room is called “Kiesha’s Crusade.”

“It just helps us dealing with our grief of losing her, to know people out there are helping keep her memory alive,” said Tammy.

Information for their fundraising event and where tickets can be purchased can be found here.

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