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Gino Musso and Steph Hutchinson (middle left and right) are the parents of Harper Musso — a Jaffray infant who passed away due to neuroblastoma. A benefit was hosted in her honour at Jaffray Hall on Saturday, March 28. Also pictured is Musso’s mother Sheri (far left) and Hutchinson’s mother Darlene (far right) and Heidi Johnson (center). Photo by S. Kucharski By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff
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ellow ribbons and pink balloons decorated the crowded Jaffray Community Hall on Saturday, March 28 to commemorate Harper Musso — a Jaffray infant who died of neuroblastoma at just three months of age. The yellow ribbons that adorned the walls served as symbols of the childhood cancer that robbed young couple Steph Hutchinson, 21, and Gino Musso of their daughter, who passed away Feb. 22. In the hours following Harper’s delivery in November 2014, it was
quickly observed that the newborn “They didn’t want the money had a mass on her side. She was back,” said Hutchinson, “and it felt taken immediately wrong to keep it.” to Alberta Children’s The solution was to Hospital for further raise additional funds “We’re so blown testing which through a live auction away by all the confirmed her and donate the total support” neuroblastoma. amount raised to the The couple Children’s Hospital Darlene Hutchinson remained in Calgary for further research Harper’s maternal in the months that on neuroblastoma grandmother followed while – the most common fundraising back cancer in infancy home commenced to twhich often presents prepare for medical fees as well as with a tumour originating from the travel costs adrenal glands. Following Harper’s passing, the Paintings, clothes, travel couple said they tried to give the packages, decorations, furniture, donations back but to no avail. toys, handwoven blankets, jerseys
and more were up for grabs at the auction. Altogether, the benefit raised thousands of dollars with the final number still being tallied at press time. “We couldn’t be more grateful to the community and everyone who donated,” said Hutchinson. The donations came from the entire Jaffray community and beyond. “We received donations from Jaffray, Fernie, Cranbrook, Kimberley, Elko, Eureka, and Baynes Lake. The support has been overwhelming,” said Hutchinson’s mom Darlene who added, “we’re so blown away by all the support.”