By Jo Moreland
Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce
For The Alpine Sun
A fund raiser on July 22 at Alpine’s Casino Inn brought in about $8,500 for an ailing 11-year-old boy!
Fred Vietri, owner of the Inn at 1155 Alpine Blvd., held the event to help Kyle O’Quinn, who was 2 years old when first diagnosed with brain and body aneurysms. Kyle has had more than 70 surgeries since then.
By Jo Moreland
Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce
For The Alpine Sun
A fund raiser on July 22 at Alpine’s Casino Inn brought in about $8,500 for an ailing 11-year-old boy!
Fred Vietri, owner of the Inn at 1155 Alpine Blvd., held the event to help Kyle O’Quinn, who was 2 years old when first diagnosed with brain and body aneurysms. Kyle has had more than 70 surgeries since then.
Recently diagnosed with a cavernous malformation in his brain stem because of radiation to control tumors, Kyle had more surgery on June 12. He was released from Rady Children’s Hospital in time to make a brief appearance at the fund raiser.
“We had a good time,” Vietri said. “The big surprise was the little (service) puppy he’s going to be getting.”
Kyle, his brothers and sister met the service puppy that will help him continue his medical journey during the fund raiser. Trident Manor Kennels is donating the dog free.
Amber Yelton, Kyle’s aunt, manages the Casino Inn, a member of the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce. Yelton describes Kyle as “a little fighter” against his ailment.
Jearod O’Quinn, Kyle’s father, said his son was originally diagnosed with intertwined arteries and veins that cause aneurysms throughout his body.
At one point the boy was given zero chance of survival, according to his family.
Kyle’s latest surgery for the cavernous malformation —- a new tumor —- now presents a tough challenge. Yelton said the tumor isn’t cancer “but his whole head was full of aneurysms.
The boy’s parents are undergoing extensive training to provide for Kyle’s medical needs. Kyle will be getting physical, occupational and speech therapy rehabilitation, his father said.
“He has to learn everything all over again,” said O’Quinn. “He’s still making progress, but he’s got a long road ahead of him. How he handles it all amazes me.”
During the fund raiser, people enjoyed opportunity drawings and a live band as well as plates of delicious food under shady trees in the Casino Inn’s park area. A silent auction was under way inside the Inn.
“I knew the kid since he was little,” said donor Shawn Nicoll of Alpine, looking around at everyone having fun. “I think this is great. The Alpine community really seems to rally round. Kyle’s parents have had a pretty rough road.”
Christy Rutledge and Rich Rutledge, both of Alpine, and Sue Brandt of Lemon Grove talked about going to different charity events almost every weekend with their motorcycle group.
“I didn’t even know anything about this until I bought my bike,” Brandt said. “We do a lot of events through the biker community.”
Children at the fund raiser played games and admired the big blue dolphin balloons at the table for Kyle’s family.
“My nephew’s dream is to swim with dolphins,” Yelton said.
An online fund raising account for Kyle’s Journey has been set up at gofundme.com. Checks made out to Jearod O’Quinn may be sent to the Casino Inn at 1155 Alpine Blvd., Alpine, CA, 91901.
(Photos courtesy of Amber Yelton)
