​The 2021 Four Leaf Formal is an annual fundraising event that is near and dear to our colleagues at NMS as two of their own sit on the organizing committee: Mr. Hickey and Mme Cormier.  The Four Leaf Formal (FLF) Committee’s goal is to seize local opportunities to support special case circumstances for a person or family in need of support.  Like everything else, the FLF is adapting its operational plan due to all things COVID-19.  With that said, they are still going strong and thrilled to support Harrison Gilks, a former NMS Dragon and current Leo Hayes High School student, as he fights to reclaim his health and focus on a healthy future.

          Harrison is a sweet, happy-go-lucky, friendly, and outgoing 16-year-old boy who was born and is being raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick.  Son to Trevor and Sonya Gilks, he and his brother, David, both attend Leo Hayes High School.  Harrison is an avid and extremely talented softball and hockey player, having made the U-18 competitive hockey team in 2020, and having represented New Brunswick at the 2019 Canadian Fastpitch Championship.  Tragically, Harrison has had to put his passions on hold as he travels to and from the IWK in Halifax, NS, for aggressive cancer treatments.

          In November of 2020, Harrison was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a rare and extremely aggressive type of cancer that forms in soft tissue; RMS can occur at any age, but it most often affects children.  Harrison was first diagnosed with a large malignant tumour in his prostate, which then metastasized and spread to his lungs.  In total, Harrison’s treatments will include 14 3-week cycles of chemotherapy, as well as significant radiation sessions and surgeries over the next year in hopes of eradicating any remaining trace of his cancer so that he may look forward to a long and healthy life ahead. 

          Harrison aspires to pursue post-secondary studies upon graduation from Leo Hayes High School.  His heart has been set on becoming a firefighter since he was a young boy, and as an avid outdoorsman, he’s also interested in Forestry and Environmental Management.

The Four Leaf Formal is proud to rally around Harrison and his family in their time of need.  While the FLF may not be able to host its usual event this year, the organizing committee is launching an online raffle this Saturday, March 13^th with proceeds going to the Gilks’ family.  There are 3 grand prizes available (all valued at over $2000) with additional incentive prizes being drawn throughout the selling period.  Information on these prizes can be found on any of the social media platforms.

In the spirit of community unity, NMS and the FLF Committee thank you for your consideration/participation in this event.  Additional information can be found online via the Four Leaf Formal’s various social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).

If you need more information and can’t find it, please email john.hickey@nbed.nb.ca or Natalie.cormier2@nbed.nb.ca.​