“Thank you!” the card reads, with a picture of a smiling baby boy on the front. This card was sent to us on behalf of the Rattray family and friends of Iron Will, celebrating their success of the 3rd annual Iron Will Family Day in Regina. Their son, William George “Iron Will” Rattray was only with us for 13 months after being initially diagnosed with laryngomalacia. In that short time Will faced many challenges and complications after the diagnosis. However, he still managed to inspire everyone around him with his courage and smile during his frequent stays at various hospitals.
DSA Media met Desiree Rattray through our agency-client relationship with SaskTel, as David Stanger (president and owner of DSA Media) notes; “[she] is also one of the nicest people I have met in over 40 years in the communications industry. Her kindness towards others, and her courage and bravery while dealing with the pain of what could best be described as one of the most heart-breaking experiences a parent could endure, touched me from the first time I met her.” The Rattray family sought to keep their son’s memory alive. Far beyond the boundaries of grief and suffering, they found it. They found a wealth of support. They found endless love. They found a way to create a legacy, founded on the courage and charisma of their son.
The Iron Will fundraising events have accomplished incredible things since Will’s passing. This includes raising a total of $239,670 for Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan, with the 3rd Annual Iron Will Family Day Carnival on October 29, 2016 raising $37,244 in a single day! DSA Media is proud to be a sponsor of this event and contribute to the lasting legacy of “Iron Will.” This story in particular, hit close to home as many of us are parents ourselves. David recognized that “seeing her selflessness following the loss of her son, has been humbling and inspiring,” and allows us to draw inspiration from the Rattray family in their ability create such a powerful legacy after “Iron Will” Rattray.
For information on how you can donate or get involved visit: becauseofwill.com