Christmas tragedy sparks community support

A Christmas Day tragedy has left one local family devastated and a community coming together.

Dalonna Jones celebrated her 40th birthday in the ICU at the University of Alberta Hospital, giving life to others.

According to family members, Jones suffered a medical episode on Christmas Day in her home.

Efforts to bring her back from a coma over the past few weeks have been unsuccessful. They included stops in ICU at various hospitals and a STARS ambulance flight. However, as of Jan. 3, she was approved for organ donation.

Her sister, Jackie, confirmed the process was to start Jan. 4, on her 40th birthday.

Across the city, Jones is being remembered as a loving, fiercely independent mother of two children, a 16-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy.

After hearing about the condition, multiple businesses stepped up with fundraisers in her name.

Desiree Cornet-Wile, co-owner of Dark Hour Ink, said she immediately had to find a way to help.

"On Jan. 26, we will be holding a flash tattoo day and all proceeds will go towards her family," said Cornet-Wile. "We are also hitting up the community for gifts for a silent auction."

The flash tattoos will be designed in house and will include stuff near and dear to Jones' heart.

Meanwhile, Fitness Factory will be holding pop-up fitness events with 100 per cent of proceeds going towards Jones' family.

"To know Dalonna is to love her. Her laugh, her bubbly personality and her 'don’t give a f---” attitude,'" said Crystal Briltz in a social media post announcing the fundraiser.

Additionally, Edge Aesthetics will be offering "The Dalonna Special," which includes mega Lashes with colour or sparkles. Thirty per cent of those proceeds will go towards the family.

If you are interested in helping out, you can reach out on social media to various individuals involved with raising money.

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