It has been nearly a week since a little boy went missing after falling into the water in Guysborough County and now the family of the victims is asking for financial help.
A GoFundMe is circulating online, created by Janelle Delorey who is the cousin of Macy and Mike Delorey- the parents of 4-year-old Oakley.
On the fundraiser page, Janelle says what is every parent’s worst nightmare, has now become reality.
“No parent should ever have to experience the heartbreak Macy and Mike are going through right now. While we can’t take away their pain, I hope this GoFundMe can help lift some of the financial weight during this incredibly difficult time,” says Janelle.
She adds, that in addition to the current challenges, there may be unforeseen costs in the days and weeks ahead.
Janelle says, Macy and Mike have three other children at home, Dallas, Sailor and Briella, “who need their parents’ strength, presence and love now more than ever.”
What happened
It was during the afternoon of Thursday, April 17 when on their way to spending Easter with relatives, the family stopped to fish at Cooks Cove.
The child fell into the water; the man he was fishing with jumped after him but was unable to bring him to shore.
Thirteen agencies including search and rescue teams on the air, ground and water sprang into action and started looking for the boy.
Community members came together and provided mountains of food to help keep teams fed while they searched for Oakley.
However, on Saturday, at 5 p.m., the search was suspended.
Forging on
Despite emergency crews stalling their search, community members have continued on.
According to a Facebook page dedicated to looking for Oakley, residents have been scouring the shores every day.
Janelle says these efforts do not go unnoticed and their family is “beyond grateful.”
“Our family would like to take this opportunity to thank every single person – near and far- who has been searching, sending messages, donating and praying.”
As of Tuesday morning, just over $1,000 has been raised.
Janelle adds, they appreciate every act of kindness during this “heartbreaking time.”
“We are holding onto hope and praying that we can bring Oakley home.”
