The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Hope Floats with Robbie's Rainbow Saturday by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 9 | Thursday, May 9, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Children living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can count on Robbie's Rainbow to give them hope. Hope Floats, the Oakville charity's largest annual fundraising gala, takes place Saturday (May 11) at the OE Banquet Hall and Conference Centre to raise funds for children receiving care at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). The organization is dedicated to improving the lives of children living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are types of IBDs that attack the digestive track. "Our goal is to raise awareness about the increasing rate of IBD diagnosis among children in Canada, especially in Ontario, which has the highest diagnosis rate in the world," said Robbie's Rainbow executive director Kate Murray -- and Robbie Murray's mom. The fundraiser will feature live entertainment, including Irish and belly dancers, stilt walkers, a casino gallery, a silent auction and raffles, among other activities. "You get to sample very delicious foods and you can dance the night away. It's a good opportunity to get out and you're providing something for a child," said Murray, who hopes to raise $50,000 to provide treatments for 15 children. since 2009. Murray noted earlier this year it took 11 infusions of the drug for him to regain the energy he once had. While it doesn't remove the pain entirely, Murray said, "It does help." Treatment also comes with a price tag and while the Murrays aren't worried, they established Robbie's Rainbow to help others who may not be able to afford a variety of treatment. Robbie has had his share of good days and challenging days lately, said Murray, adding as the season changed, he faced WITH THIS COUPON more challenges. "He's had some (stomach) pains, but he's very positive and very strong. He's (also) very intuitive, so the days that are challenging for him, he has to slow down. That sometimes means he stays home and can't go to school because he's really not feeling well," said Murray. "We've had a few of those days over the last few weeks where he's not feeling too good, but that's the nature of the disease. You can have weeks and months of feeling really well and then for no reason you can see Fund on p.16 Starting Saturday May 2, 2013 Spring Pa tio Door Rescreen Sale! Spring has sprung! The bugs are about... So fix those screens to keep them out! Aluminum or Fibreglass Mesh $ 00 Any Size! + applicable taxes Pet Resistant", "Tuffscreen" & "BetterVue" Installed in our shop Also available: "PollenTEC" fabric - as seen on the Marilyn Dennis Show. Priced according to size. Those attending last year's Hope Floats gala check out silent auction items. Proceeds of the event help children with bowel disorders pay for treatment. Oakville Beaver file photo Installed in our shop 50 The organization was established in 2010 by Murray and her 11-year-old son, Robbie, who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when he was six. To cope, Robbie has been taking the prescription drug Remicade Any Size! $ 7500 + applicable taxes (except on Saturdays - pick up will be on Monday) · Roller, Corner & Handle replacement are extra. Pick up & Delivery are extra. Sale effective from April 28 - May 31, 2013. 24 Hour Turnaround 550 Bronte Rd., Oakville 905.827.2951 Mother's Day Bracelet Gift Set Available Starting April 15 Purchase the PANDORA Mother's Day gift set for $230, featuring one sterling silver bracelet, two "Beveled" clips, one "Mom" charm, and a charm of your choice valued up to $40 with a travel jewelry case (a retail value of $290).* A MOTHER'S LOVE Sterling silver charms from $30 Cele at *Before taxes. Good while supplies last. See our store for details. Mapleview Centre Burlington, ON · Upper Level Centre Court 905.632.5400