Boy, 10, set to score for SickKids

Former patient aims to raise funds through football

By IAN ROBERTSON, Toronto Sun

Last Updated: March 24, 2010 4:59pm

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The 'Go Garrett Go' fundraising campaign launched at SickKids in support of the Children's Miracle Network hospitals in Canada and the U.S., and Free The Children's Haiti relief efforts.

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An athletic 10-year-old who survived seizures and two years of body-weakening medication kicked off a campaign Wednesday to help other children by playing the sport he loves.

Garrett Holmes, wearing his Halton Cowboys No. 35 football jersey, joined his proud parents, brother and sister plus two teammates at the launch outside SickKids hospital of the “Go Garrett Go” fundraiser.

Laid low on Christmas Day 2006 by a “one-time” virus that caused repeated epileptic seizures, Garrett spent a week at the Toronto hospital, where he saw other children unable to leave as he did.

“I remember seeing the kids there who were sick before and after me, and couldn’t go out to play,” the Oakville boy said. “I wanted to give back to them.”

Gerard Holmes said medication robbed his son of half his physical abilities over two years.

“The meds were very hard on him, emotionally and physically ... he was tired all the time,” Holmes said.

A keen football player before the mystery virus struck, Garrett bounced back in January 2009 after doctors cleared him.

“The moment he was off the medication, he said he wanted to play football and he was back playing that spring,” his dad said.

Though Garrett is well and hearty now, “the doctors can’t tell us he’ll never have this virus again,” Holmes said. “We have to watch for triggers, such as dehydration and over-exertion.”

The campaign targets donations for every touchdown Garrett runs or passes for during the spring 2010 Ontario Minor Football League atom-age season.

It will raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in Canada and the U.S., and Free The Children’s Haiti relief efforts.

The season runs from mid-May to the first week of August, with each team playing seven or eight games plus as many as three playoff games.

“Go Garrett Go presents a unique opportunity to work alongside a talented and caring young man who is looking to make a difference for sick and injured children,” Lisa Sabisch, development officer for the network and SickKids Foundation, told reporters on the hospital’s front lawn.

Garrett scored 10 touchdowns in five games last spring. Organizers predict he could raise up to $7,500 this year.

Garrett’s project is supported by the Toronto Argonauts, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, NFL Canada, the CFL Alumni Association, Warrior Sports USA and the North Texas Super Bowl XLV host committee.

For details visit http://csipreview.com/projects/3gsite/default.asp.

ian.robertson@sunmedia.ca