The Royal Tyrrell Museum has lent a hand to Janaya Chekowsky-McKenzie who is an eight-year-old child battling a rare and aggressive brain cancer.
The prestigious museum offered a VIP guided tour and a VIP meet and greet with Dr. Locke and his trusty dinosaur on Tuesday, May 22, to help the young girl cross off bucket list items.
Janaya was sworn in as Mayor for a Day at the Drumheller Committee of the Whole meeting. She was also assisted by two Drumheller Fire Department Firemen who carried her up the World’s Largest Dinosaur to add to her special day.
“I already know she’s excited, she loves the pool,” said mother Amanda Chekowski. “We are going to see some dinosaurs. It’s a memory for the rest of the family too because half of the people that are here haven’t been here before so it’s going to be a memory that all of us will really cherish and appreciate. We can’t thank everybody enough for everything.”
The young girl has about a 50 per cent chance of living for another year so once word had spread about her condition, the Drumheller community stepped in to help her with her wishes.
Calgary Radio Station CJAY 92 initially learned of her story and shared it which set off a chain of events that will help make her wish come true.
Her story has been shared locally through social media, and many community groups and businesses have shown support for Janaya’s wish.
“It all started with a bucket list and then it turned into a lot of generous people who wanted to help,” said Chekowski.
“I don’t know if there are really words for it, Everybody has been so amazing and whether it’s from Edmonton or Calgary or Drumheller or Beaumont, I’m speechless. It’s more than words could say.”
