Finding out your daughter has cancer is news no parent wants to hear.

So when eight-year-old Ophelia Mulder was diagnosed with Lymphoma this past Thanksgiving, her parents Jonathan and Tara were shocked.

After hearing the bad news, and having done fundraising in the past, Ophelia’s two Aunts Mamie and Sandra Mulder took to social media in hopes of raising money to help pay for medication and travel costs.

They began a fundraiser on Facebook called Ophy’s Online Auction, which spanned over a week beginning last Monday (Oct. 23) and ending this past Saturday. (Oct. 28)

Just under $13,000 was raised from the auction and other cash donations; something Sandra, on behalf of the entire family, said is greatly appreciated.

“We’ve done this for other people we’ve hardly known, but this one brings tears to my eyes and it wasn’t the only fundraiser we’ve had. Heeling Hands did a fundraiser, the school (Lacombe Upper Elementary) did a bake sale and random people we hardly know are doing fundraisers.”

“It’s just so amazing how this community comes together when one person is down.”

Not only will it be used to pay for all the added expenses, but Sandra is hoping Jonathan and Tara don’t forget to treat themselves.

“I also told them, use this money to go on a date and do things with your family. Right now, it is tough and you have to stay sane and still enjoy life to its fullest. So use that money to do that for yourself and not feel guilty about it.”

A GoFundMe Page has also been created to help raise money for Ophelia, and Lacombe’s Mehgan and Jeff Tancock, who’s four-month-old son Carter had serious birth difficulties and is now facing life-long disabilities.

A fundraiser is also being held at Lincoln Hall on Nov. 18.