Vigil held in support of baby in critical condition

A small child begins the evening with a prayer.  Then candles are lit to an emotional acapella version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.  This is how the evening began at a candlelit vigil held Monday in support of a weeks-old newborn who is fighting for her life. A sizable crowd came out and organizers took donations for the baby, hoping to be able to send hope, prayers and resources for when the newborn is out of emergency care.  One of the organizers, Kathleen Lacombe says many members of the community were distraught at the news, and reported to her that hearing it opened up old wounds for them.

Lacombe adds she is in talks with Victim Services Alberta to collect impact statements from members of the community. Meanwhile, Angela Piche, another of the organizers was in contact with Alberta Children’s Hospital where the baby is currently being cared for.  She says the hospital is overwhelmed with the outpouring of support for the staff and the infant.

The parents, a 52-year old male and 31-year old female were remanded to custody following judicial interim release hearings. The male is charged with aggravated assault, sexual assault, sexual interference, and failing to provide the necessaries of life.  The female is charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life. The organizers of this vigil have also planned a peaceful protest outside the courthouse on January 25. Various organizations from Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat and Red Deer are also planning to attend the rally.