In Lethbridge, a local business owner is rallying the community to support an 11-year-old girl, Elizabeth Hoyt, who is awaiting open-heart surgery due to a congenital heart defect that was overlooked at birth. Linda Nowak, the owner of Wax Me Ltd., learned about Elizabeth’s situation while purchasing pet supplies from Feed Sam, a store owned by Elizabeth’s parents. Nowak, who has faced her own heart health challenges, including over 20 surgeries since undergoing her first cardiac arrest at age 12, feels a personal connection to the family’s plight. This shared experience has motivated her to take action and provide support where she can.
Determined to make a difference, Nowak organized a fundraiser called a “brow-a-thon” on May 4, where half of the proceeds from eyebrow waxing services at her salon would go directly to the Hoyt family to help with medical expenses. She is also encouraging other businesses in Lethbridge to contribute in any way they can, whether through similar fundraising events or other forms of support. Nowak’s call to action emphasizes community collaboration during challenging times.
Elizabeth, a competitive cheerleader who also shows dogs at the national level, has had her life turned upside down by the diagnosis of her heart condition. Her mother, Valerie Hoyt, expressed shock upon learning about Elizabeth’s health issues, especially given her daughter’s active lifestyle with no prior symptoms. Doctors have warned that if the condition is not treated, it could pose serious risks, including stroke and heart failure, as Elizabeth grows older. The family is thankful for the community’s attention and support in these difficult times.
As Elizabeth prepares for her surgery scheduled for May 27 in Edmonton, the Hoyts are bracing for a lengthy recovery period that will require significant adjustments, such as time off from work and limitations on Elizabeth’s activities during recovery. Valerie shared that after the surgery, Elizabeth won’t be able to use her hands for a considerable amount of time, necessitating multiple trips to Calgary Children’s Hospital as part of the recovery process.
To aid in covering the costs associated with Elizabeth’s surgery and recovery, the Hoyt family partnered with Young Spirit Supplies Direct to Film (YSSDTF), a local custom apparel business. They are selling “Proud Supporter of a Heart Warrior” T-shirts, which can be personalized to represent the wearer’s relationship to Elizabeth—for instance, as her proud mom, dad, brother, or sister. Proceeds from the T-shirt sales will contribute directly to the family’s fundraising efforts, fostering a sense of unity and support.
In addition to purchasing T-shirts, the community is encouraged to connect with Elizabeth through a dedicated Facebook page, where they can upload photos or send messages of encouragement. By sharing their support in this way, community members can help Elizabeth feel less isolated during her recovery. Donations can also be made through e-transfers. Overall, the effort represents a heartwarming example of community solidarity, showing that even in the face of hardship, kindness and support can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
