02/08/2026
**EDITED POST**
Due to some unfortunate miscommunication and circumstances, one of our recipients for this year has changed. With that being said, we send nothing but love and well wishes to one strong & beautiful girl! 🫶🏽
With the permission and blessing from both families involved, Hemonds Sugar Shack would like to announce the recipients of our 2026 annual benefit breakfast!
Recipient 1- Lawson Collins,
Lawson Collins was born on July 2nd, 2025, with a diagnosis of VACTERL association (a rare and random grouping of congenital abnormalities). At just one day old, Lawson underwent his first surgery and spent his first month of life in the NICU.
Now, at seven months old, he has already bravely completed four surgeries, with more still ahead, along with numerous weekly medical appointments. Despite everything he has endured in such a short time, Lawson remains the happiest little boy—full of joy, resilience, and light. Lawson has a long road ahead with countless procedures, appointments, hospital stays & more. His mom Alexis has selflessy stepped away from her career to provide him the TLC he needs and deserves. Let’s help fill that little financial void for them!
Recipient 2- Oakley Letendre,
Oakley is 2 and was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder shortly after birth called KPTN gene, causing multiple medical issues, and the constant need to see multiple specialists/therapists. Because Oakleys diagnosis and the complexity of it is so rare, living in rural VT has made his medical care rather complicated. Also, because of this, the future of his care and needs are unknown as he grows and develops. Oakleys mom Sam has had to make the difficult but necessary decision to be a full-time stay at home mom. She also had to give up the first place they called home due to drowning in the financial burden of not being able to work with a medically complex child. One thing about Sam is she is the first one to offer what she can when she can. For instance, last year when we prepared for this benefit for Rhett, she was one of the first people to reach out to me and offer a Photography gift certificate to raffle off. All while in the middle of her own personal medical journey with Oakley, still didn’t hesitate for a second to give a little of herself away, too.
Two precious, handsome, HAPPY little souls that we get the pleasure of helping this year. When I say there is no better feeling on earth- that’s the simplest way I can put it.
March 21st 8-12 ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET STYLE BREAKFAST! (82 McAllister Rd Richford)! All proceeds from this event will be split directly down the middle and passed off to the hands of Lawson and Oakleys parents! Please share with everyone you know and ask them to follow our Hemond's Sugar Shack business page for updates to this event and special raffle items that will be available for purchase by the end of this weekend!!!!
With an abundance of love and prayers, The Hemonds 🫶🏽
