The Kanata Girls Hockey Association (KGHA) is asking the community, and especially frequent fliers, for their help in supporting a former KGHA player, Julianne.

Most readers in the Ottawa community will remember the horrific story of the young girl who, while working in Banff during the summer of 2005, was viciously attacked and strangled by a complete stranger. She was left for dead and lapsed into a coma with severe brain injuries. Today, although Julianne is breathing on her own, she remains in a minimally conscious state.

As a last resort, Julianne's parents recently sent her to the Ocean Hyperbaric Neurologic Centre in Fort Lauderdale, Fl., where and she has been undergoing Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment and adjunctive therapies. The therapies are costing between $230,000 and $340,000. Due to the nature of the treatment, costs are not covered by health care or private insurance. Her father, Ron, has reported that the treatments are working and progress is being made.

The KGHA is hoping to raise $8,000 to $10,000 for Julianne's recovery through a benefit game between the Ottawa Senators alumni team and the KGHA coaches on Friday, March 23.

The Hockey Association is especially looking for people with Aeroplan points to spare to make a donation. At the fundraising event, there will be a draw to win a trip for four to Calgary and Banff. In order to maximize the money raised for Julianne's treatments, the four airline tickets will be purchased using donated Aeroplan points. A charitable pooled account for Julianne has been set up with Aeroplan for one month, starting Feb. 26. An estimated 250,000 points are needed to purchase the four airline tickets to Calgary during the Calgary Stampede in July.

If you would like more information on the event or to make a donation of Aeroplan points, please visit www.kgha.ca to print out a form.