Canadian skeet shooting champion, Jordan 'Jordy' Ireland
“I mean this in the most loving way possible but he is… stubborn. He does not quit,” laughed Child and Youth Worker, Sara Ireland while trying to find the right words to describe her Father, Jordan ‘Jordy’ Ireland.
“He cannot take no for an answer without asking more questions,” she continued.
Being a Canadian skeet shooting champion, Jordy is no stranger to competition. Beginning his shooting career at just ten years old, this Father of two is not known to accept defeat.
Younger years: Youngest daughter Sara and Jordan ‘Jordy’ Ireland (Photo provided by / Sara Ireland)
Which is why his youngest Sara says, the fight against his health has never been an exception.
“My Dad has struggled pretty well my whole life with his health, since he was in his early 30s,” explained Sara. “In June he went into the hospital with severe pain in his leg… and from there it became a whole new rollercoaster.”
In less than a years time, Jordy received many procedures along with a bypass surgery in attempt to resolve his newest health challenges.
“The hospital had told us that the bypass was successful so we all were feeling rather hopeful… but after the bypass his toes started to turn black.”
On Dec. 26 2020, the Ireland family received news that the only way to move forward and essentially save Jordy’s life was amputation.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
“Amputation had always been in the back of our heads,” reflected Sara. “It was something that was on the table about 15 years ago when this happened the first time.”
According to The Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery, PAD is caused by blockages in the arteries that are responsible for supplying blood to the legs, resulting often in poor circulation and lower body pain/fatigue.
“He finally received diagnosis,” Sara explained. “Peripheral artery disease is a genetic disease that his Father also had and passed away rather young from.”
However; Sara advised, no matter how many times her Father has been informed of a new health hurdle, it’s always, “What are we doing now and how are we getting through it.”
Knocking it out of the park
Between a global pandemic and the roller coaster the Ireland’s have experienced this past year, there’s one thing that Sara says her family has not only learned to do but has excelled at.
“We play the crap out of the hand we are dealt,” she laughed. “This could have been a tragedy and there’s a million things it could have been or a million people it could have happened to… but it happened to my Dad, and he’s a fighter and he’s going to keep fighting.”
Younger Days: Jordan ‘Jordy’ Ireland and his daughters (Photo provided by / Sara Ireland)
Sara says that if there’s anything she can take away from watching her Dad over the years, it’s how he is always competing against himself, “You really have to show up for yourself,” she said.
Changing the narrative
Instead of feelings of resentment, the Ireland’s have shaped opportunity where some may have found defeat.
Due to the additional costs the family will now face, they have set up a page to share Jordy’s story.
“When I got the phone call about the amputation, I immediately went into CYW mode and thought, what resources are available and what can I do to help?”
Reflecting on the pandemic and the current lockdown order across Ontario, Sara thought the one thing that everyone could use was a sense of community.
“The message I wanted to deliver while making this page was to remind everyone that hope still exists and no matter what you face and what is happening, you can always reach out for help.”
“I wanted to create a fundraiser that resembled an outdoor music festival. I wanted it to be fun but also showcase local artists, businesses and vendors.”
After creating the page and having the information shared to social media by both sisters, Sara recalls not only did friends reach out to offer support, but so did strangers and people who Sara hadn’t spoken to for nearly a decade.
“It’s turned into something really beautiful.”
While Sara says she was nervous to ask for any sort of help during a pandemic where everyone is doing their best to stay afloat, she’s so happy that she can return the favour in some way.
‘Jordy’ and his family (Photo provided by Sara Ireland)
The fundraiser will be taking place virtually on Saturday, Feb. 6 beginning at 12 p.m. while events will commence at 6:30 p.m.
Check out the page to discover local talent, from live music to bakers, tattoo artists and pottery.
The event will wrap up around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, be sure to tune into the end of the live stream for a special thank you from the Ireland family!
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