Lethbridge Unites to Champion Young Girl’s Heart Surgery Journey

A business owner in Lethbridge is urging the southern Alberta community to rally around a young girl who is preparing for open heart surgery.

Linda Nowak, who owns Wax Me Ltd., noticed raffle tickets being sold while she was buying pet food at Feed Sam, a local pet food store on the city’s north side.

This fundraiser is to support Elizabeth Hoyt, an 11-year-old recently diagnosed with a heart defect that went undetected at birth. Elizabeth is the daughter of Feed Sam’s owners, Valerie and Burton Hoyt.

Nowak felt a personal connection to Elizabeth’s situation, having experienced her first cardiac arrest at just 12 years old almost five decades ago.

“Looking back, I’ve had over 20 heart surgeries, including open-heart surgeries,” Nowak said. “This story really hit home for me while I was buying pet food, as I can relate to what this family is going through.”

Nostalgic about her own challenges, Nowak felt compelled to act.

“It would have meant a lot to have support during my struggles,” Nowak added. “I believe we should help one another, and I hope I can make a positive impact on this family’s situation.”

On May 4, Nowak and her Wax Me Ltd. team will host a “brow-a-thon.” For each eyebrow waxing service provided that day, 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Hoyt family to assist with Elizabeth’s surgery costs.

Nowak is encouraging other businesses in Lethbridge to join in.

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“I invite other businesses to take up the challenge, whether it’s haircuts or any service that could support this family,” Nowak stated.

For Wax Me Ltd. customers unable to attend the “brow-a-thon,” Nowak has placed a donation jar at the front of her establishment specifically for Elizabeth’s fundraising efforts.

Elizabeth is a talented cheerleader and competes in dog shows at the national level. Her parents were stunned to discover that their active daughter has several holes in her heart.

“It’s shocking to get such a diagnosis for an active child with no symptoms,” Valerie expressed. “Doctors say if left untreated into adulthood, around the age of 18, there’s a heightened risk for strokes or heart failure.”

Although processing the diagnosis was challenging, Elizabeth is eager for the surgery to be completed so she can return to her favorite activities.

“At first, I was mostly worried about the surgery and recovery,” Elizabeth shared. “But after thinking about it, I got really excited. I believe if everything goes well, there’s nothing to worry about.”

The Hoyts were deeply moved by Nowak’s initiative to raise funds.

“It’s incredibly overwhelming to know there’s this much support in the community,” Valerie noted.

Elizabeth is set to have her surgery in Edmonton on May 27, followed by an extensive recovery that will necessitate the Hoyts taking at least two months off work.

“After open heart surgery, she will have numerous restrictions and won’t be able to use her hands for a long time,” Valerie explained. “Plus, there will be several trips to Calgary Children’s Hospital. It will definitely be a process.”

To help with expenses, the Hoyts partnered with Young Spirit Supplies Direct to Film (YSSDTF), a custom apparel business in Lethbridge, to create “Proud Supporter of a Heart Warrior” T-shirts. The proceeds, after covering the shirt costs, will directly benefit Elizabeth.

“These shirts can be personalized,” Valerie mentioned, wearing a “Proud Mom of a Heart Warrior” shirt herself. “They can say proud dad, proud supporter, proud aunt, proud brother. Elizabeth’s shirt says ‘I am a Heart Warrior.’”

Those who buy a T-shirt are encouraged to scan a QR code on it and upload a photo wearing the shirt to a special Facebook page dedicated to Elizabeth, allowing her to see she is supported.

“Whether someone wants to order a shirt and share a photo with Elizabeth, or simply send her encouraging messages during her hospital stay,” Valerie said, “this will show her she’s not alone.”

Proud Supporter of a Heart Warrior T-shirts can be ordered from the YSSDTF website, and support messages can be sent through the Heart Warrior Elizabeth Facebook page.

Donations can also be sent via e-transfer to heartwarriorelizabeth@gmail.com.

Watch the video above for more information.

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