LEWISPORTE - In their three-year old son Gideon's fight with cancer, Dean and Stevie Stairs have met some wonderful people who have been so kind to them, they feel a need to give something back.
Gideon's cancer treatment has seen him spending quite a bit of time at the Janeway Children's Hospital in St. John's. Mr. Stairs cannot express enough the thanks he has for the wonderful doctors nurses and staff who have been caring for his son over the past year.
"In April, actually Friday the 13 of April, 2007 my son Gideon was diagnosed with cancer - they didn't know specifically what type at that time," explained Mr. Stairs. "Since then we have been into the Janeway, we have spent the best part of the last year there.
Mr. Stairs said it didn't take long for him to realize that the staff there are truly special people, each and every one of them.
"The more we were there the more I thought I need to be able to do something to help the nurses and doctors and staff, to help those who have been helping us."
Mr. Stairs, the owner and operator of Little Known Artist Studio in Lewisporte came up with a plan. After contacting some of the clients he has worked with through his studio Mr. Stairs has decided to produce a CD Hope in the midst of a storm in aid of the Janeway.
"I contacted Paula Eddy of the Janeway Foundation and she was very supportive of the idea," said Mr. Stairs.
The CD will feature the talents of Irene Bridger and Ada Jenkins of Twillingate, Shauna Matthews of Gander and Dan Bursey, Terry Penney, Sarah Perry and Byron Welsh from Lewisporte. Mr. Welsh's daughter Jenna is also being treated at the Janeway for cancer.
"Byron came on later on because I use him most often as a back-up vocalist," explained Mr. Stairs. "I asked him to sing lead for one song Dance, I wanted to do it from a fathers point of view so I thought he and I could do it as a duet."
Mr. Stairs said he didn't have to twist any arms to get the artists to come on-board.
"I think when it come to something like this, everyone wants to be involved," he said. "Irene said 'I was hoping there was something I could do.' That was pretty much the sentiments of everyone."
Sponsorship
Mr. Stairs is doing the production of the CD at his studio. He noted that the artists will be getting use of the master, they own their songs when they are done.
"There are various stages to the project, one is the production, one is manufacturing" said Mr. Stairs, "and with this particular project there is the sponsorship stage which is the stage we're in."
Mr. Stairs said the artists involved, along with him, see sponsorship of the CD as a real win-win for a business, corporation or individual.
"It is just really good corporate image," said Mr. Stairs. "Even if people don't like a particular style of music, everyone knows what the Janeway is and everybody knows how important they are.
Sponsorship will help with the costs associated with the production and sand manufacturing allowing for all of the proceeds from the sale of the CDs to go directly to helping the children of the province through the Janeway.
Anyone wishing to help in the sponsorship of the CD is asked to contact Mr. Stairs at 535-0884 or 535-0745 or via email at dean@littleknown.ca
The CD Hope in the midst of a storm is slated to be released in late March or early April.
Singing for the angels
Dean Stairs walks hand-in-hand with is three-year-old son Gideon down the hallway to the playroom at the Janeway just four days after he had his kidney removed because of cancer. Mr. Stairs is currently in the process of producing a CD as a fundraiser for
-
- Published on Febuary 20th, 2008
- Published on June 28th, 2010
-
Dave Cooper
Giving something back to Janeway staff
In their three-year old son Gideon's fight with cancer, Dean and Stevie Stairs have met some wonderful people who have been so kind to them, they feel a need to give something back.
Gideon's cancer treatment has seen him spending quite a bit of time at the Janeway Children's Hospital in St. John's. Mr. Stairs cannot express enough the thanks he has for the wonderful doctors nurses and staff who have been caring for his son over the past year.
- Number of views : 417
- Rate
- Top of the page
Comments
-
- Randy
- - June 29th, 2010 at 15:38:16
Great ideal. Hopefully lots of sales for this CD.
-
- Edgar
- - June 29th, 2010 at 15:38:16
I was told about this by a very good (and talented) friend of mine. She is one of the performers in this CD. If they are all as good singers as her then this will be a great CD. I am not writing this comment to promote her or them however but for another much, much more important reason. This is for a very worthwhile cause. Our kids are what life is all about. They are our future. As most of you know the Janeway is a very reputable hospital specifically for children. I pray that my kids will never have to use it, but it is very reassuring to know it's there if need be. This is a very good way for us to give something back. Thanks, Edgar Courtney.
-
- Mary
- - June 29th, 2010 at 15:38:15
inspirational!
-
- Gaye
- - June 29th, 2010 at 15:38:15
I know Dean & Stevie Stairs, and have been praying for Gideon since last April (I lived in Gander, NL, until Oct./07). They have such a wonderful faith, and I do pray that God will touch Gideon with total healing. I just know that this CD will be a hit, and a wonderful benefit to the Janeway, which I have supported for many years. The staff at the Janeway are truly special people, and such a blessing to the patients, and families, in their care.
-
- Shauna
- - June 29th, 2010 at 15:38:14
I have seen and heard frist hand about the care that the Janeway has given the Stairs family. If those at the Janeway are able to do this for them, I am confident that any family who will or has experienced their own storm , will receive the same care, concern and support. As one of the recording artists on the CD - Hope In the Midst of the Storm - I have to say what a wonderful experience it has been. I was very happy to be able to share in the making of this project. Thanks for letting others know what great work the Janeway does!
-
- Jasmine
- - June 29th, 2010 at 15:38:14
I've been privileged to be able to hear a couple of the songs before mixing, and they sound fabulous. I can't wait to hear the finished product! br br Great music for an amazing cause.
-
- Irene
- - June 29th, 2010 at 15:38:13
I 've had family members who have had involvment with the Janeway in the past 15years and now another connection... with the Stairs Family.These caregivers at the Janeway are used by God to perform miracles,they are very special people ,with a special gift of caring in helping others through difficult times. br I'm happy that I can be a part of this Cd release as well,it's the least that I could do.
.jpg)
.jpg)
