HOPE
The families included here want to show others that, no matter what, they are smiling, hopeful, loving, and persevering.
The offer of hope to the family of a sick child is a huge gift to provide. That, along with a smile and images of normalcy, is what OPACC aims to provide with this book, “Sharing Hope.” In its pages, you will find stories and photos showing what hope looks like from many vantage points. The childhood cancer journey is just that – a journey – and this book is but a snapshot in time, a moment in each particular family’s life. Though their circumstances may have changed since their photos were taken, this book is meant to capture how each family looked at a particular moment, and through their stories reflect what they felt in their hearts. The families who have contributed to this volume have chosen to include themselves to honour their children and their inspiring stories; on every page, the families included here want to show others that, no matter what, they are smiling, hopeful, loving, and persevering. This book has been the culmination of years of work by all involved, and it is a dream come true for all of us at OPACC to finally see it published! Our desire is that by reading these stories, and looking at the beautiful smiling faces of these loving families, you too will be inspired to find the strength and hope to persevere, smile, and remember that, regardless of where you find yourself on this journey, you are not alone. Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer (OPACC) was established in 1995 and has been a registered charity since 2006. We are comprised of parents, parent support groups, survivors, and close relatives of a child or teen diagnosed with childhood cancer. Our overall goal is to be the parent voice for families with children diagnosed with cancer in Ontario. Membership is free and we rely solely on grants and private donations, and in large part on the work of our volunteers, to keep us running. OPACC is recognized by other childhood cancer organizations as important partners in helping reach families in the Province. Together, we have worked tirelessly to see the establishment of the Parent Liaison position at the Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) in Toronto, Ontario. There, trained professionals and parents who were affected by childhood cancer offer other families non-medical advice in the form of a sympathetic ear, as well as offer a wealth of resources and information about services both in and out of the hospital, weekly drop-in parent support groups, and free items. To learn more, please visit www.opacc.org
A leisha Hunter
When Aleisha was 2 years old, I noticed a pea-sized lump in her chest and took her to her pediatrician, who said it was probably nothing but to keep an eye on it. I took her back to her doctor who referred her to a general surgeon who also said it was likely nothing. After taking Aleisha to many doctor’s appointments where for 15 months they said there was nothing wrong, over the months Aleisha’s lump continued to grow and was causing her a lot of pain. I finally took her to emergency
at Sick Kids. After a biopsy, bone scan, and an MRI, the diagnosis came back as secretory carcinoma. Aleisha had breast cancer. Aleisha underwent a radical modified mastectomy of her left breast. Aleisha was cured; she did not need chemotherapy or radiation. Aleisha continues to be followed by the oncology team at Sick Kids and when she is older she can choose to have reconstructive surgery.
A lex is Kuczynsk i
One June, when I was nine, I stayed home from school for a bit longer than the average stomachache should last. After running a few tests, my doctor called my family into her office to tell us that I had cancer and we should go to Sick Kids’ Hospital immediately. My usually stoic father had a look in his eye that made me realize this was something serious. Even so, I was not too worried; I knew that hospitals were places that people went to get better. My cancer was far from usual - but saying “usual” and “cancer” in the same sentence is a difficult feat. Renal Cell Carcinoma is usually found in men, over 40, who are heavy smokers. Since I did not fit the profile, it felt like every doctor in the hospital wanted a chance to head-up my interesting case. While I repeated many scans, x-rays, and exams
for each of these doctors, I learned the intricacies of the murals that lined the halls of the hospital as well as the most efficient veins in my arms for bloodtaking in the same manner any other child knows the best route to take in the school yard to maximize their recess. In what felt like eventually (but was really only 3-weeks) my cancer was confirmed, removed, and I was sent home. I was able to go back to school in September and over the next 10 years, my follow-ups at Sick Kid’s became fewer and further between. I’m fortunate enough to be able to say that I am defined by much more than having had childhood cancer. In fact, it often feels like the summer of 1995 was a blip in what has been a life with the typical dips and milestones.
A ndrea Nijenhuis
At the age of seven months, Andrea was diagnosed with a serious blood disorder, Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Over the next four months, Andrea would receive chemotherapy and steroids while waiting for a bone marrow transplant. She received the bone marrow transplant one month before her first birthday. The transplant was hard on her little body, and we were told to say our goodbyes because her major organs were failing her. However, God had different plans and used Andrea’s fighting spirit to keep her with us. How He blessed us!
Throughout treatment Andrea lost her smile, and it would take many months to get it back. After coming home from Sick Kids, it would take another year of being in and out of hospital until she was better. Andrea is four years old now, and she is a very happy girl who just about likes everything! She loves swimming, camping, hanging out with family and friends, and going places. But what really makes Andrea smile is just being home with Mom and Dad!
Ashley White
“Brave, resilient, and beautiful” - these are three words we use to describe our daughter Ashley. At age 4 ½, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Wilm’s Tumour. Since that day, 9 months ago, she has gone through 14 rounds of chemo, a 9 hour high risk surgery, 14 sessions of full chest and flank radiation, 475 daily injections and over 35 blood transfusions. Although she has experienced more in her short
life than most adults will in their lifetime, she continues to laugh, dance, sing and holds no grudges. She is a great example of living life to the fullest! Nearing the end of her treatment, her scans reveal she is once again “NORMAL.” We live in the present and are grateful for each day we can spend as a family.
Breanna
Gillespie-Bumstead
Breanna was always a happy healthy little girl, when suddenly she started experiencing pneumonia-like symptoms at 17months of age. A chest x-ray revealed a large neuroblastoma tumor in her tiny chest. She was rushed to Sick Kids hospital where she underwent numerous tests
and surgery to remove her tumor. Breanna recently celebrated her 6th birthday and loves to dance, colour, and play with her little brother. She also loves to swim, ride her bike, and run, and completed her first kids triathlon this summer!
Brooke Jolicoeur
Brooke was just two-and-a-half years old when we went into the hospital to treat a urinary tract infection and came out with a diagnosis of cancer. The doctors found a mass on her right kidney - Wilms’ Tumour, a rare form of childhood cancer that generally affects the kidneys. We were shocked—how could our beautiful little girl, who had never complained of any pain or fatigue, be sick? She was so energetic, so robust, so unbelievably healthy! Her right kidney was immediately removed and she underwent chemotherapy treatment for six months and was a trooper throughout the entire ordeal. She endured every trip to the hospital, every
poke and every medicine with a smile. She was cheerful and funny and brave and showed everyone, most especially us, what a true hero looks like! Brooke’s final treatment took place on December 21, 2010. Boy, did our family dance at the New Year’s Eve party that year! We began 2011 very thankful for our blessings! A year a half later, Brooke is a smiling kindergartener. She enjoys ballet class, painting, and playing princess dress-up with her younger sister, Avery. And, we are happy to report, that Brooke’s CT and MRI scans are still coming back clean and clear.
Camryn Hunter
It was March 17, 2011, exactly one month before Camryn’s 3rd birthday, when she was diagnosed with AML. Our whole world changed that day. Camryn successfully completed her 4 month protocol of high dose chemotherapy. She endured so much during her 4 months of inpatient treatment, lumbar punctures, weight loss, time away from home and her baby brother, but she never showed defeat. Camryn smiled the whole way through;
she is what kept us going through all of this. A short 6 months into remission she relapsed. This time our treatment was bone marrow transplant. Again, another 5 months away from home, friends and family. A successful transplant and we are all together again living our life after cancer. Camryn is looking forward most to going to school in September!
Cole Tiessen
At age nine and a half, Cole and his parents were given the devastating news that he had standard risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.). However, after 32 days of induction phase chemo, he tested positive for minimum residual disease and his diagnosis changed from standard to very high risk. After enduring another two years of chemo, lumbar punctures, and cranial radiation, he finished his
treatment and is a survivor! Cole is now in high school, he likes hanging out with his friends, has two part-time jobs and enjoys going to Camp Trillium. The best thing about Cole is his outlook on life – he doesn’t let the small things bother him. His family and friends are so proud of him!
Connor from London
Connor, at 2 and a half years of age, an energetic little boy, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.) in early 2009. The over 3 years of treatment were tough, but were also filled with so many blessings too. Connor developed a profound love for skiing during his treatment (a great sport for someone with a weakened immune system!) and even as a 4 year old, he was enjoying the
most difficult ski runs on the hill. Connor is now 6, still passionate about skiing during the winter, soccer in the summer and gymnastics throughout the rest of the year... but above all, he loves his family, friends and of course, his beloved teddy bear. He’s now finished his treatments and doing really well.
Darrel Robb
Darrel loved Pokemon, Transformers, Power Rangers, playing Zelda (with mommy) and Mario Kart (with daddy) on the GameCube. He loved chicken McNuggets, apple juice, riding his bike, and playing with his puppy ‘Lady’. Darrel’s smile and laugh helped to brighten any room he would enter. People would often
comment on how even his eyes seemed to come alive and share all the joy and life that was in his heart. We love and miss you “Little Man”.
Dawson Malolepszy
Dawson is an energetic, happy young man, who embraces life with arms wide open – he loves music and most of all his favourite sport – hockey! Dawson was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.) Knowing he is going to be lacing up his skates and hitting the rink puts the biggest smile on his face every time! Dawson also loves water and nothing brings a bigger smile to his
face than when he can cannonball into the pool and splash everyone around him! He’s always got a positive attitude and believes there is nothing he cannot do if he sets his mind to it – this attitude is what gave him strength in his fight and ultimate VICTORY in his battle with childhood cancer!
Dominic
Gregory Martello
Dominic is our inspiration for not giving up! At the age of five months, our beautiful baby boy was diagnosed with stage 4s Neuroblastoma. We were very afraid of the road of treatment and upset that a baby would have to fight for his life at such a young age. He endured two rounds of chemotherapy, three surgeries, three bone marrow aspirations, many finger pokes, port accesses, etc. Dominic remained courageous in his journey to battle cancer and never stopped smiling
and being a fun baby! We are thankful for the strength found in ourselves because of the bravery and determination exhibited in our young son, along with the talent of his oncology team and the ongoing love and support from our family and friends. Dominic is our hero and superman! We love you very much Dominic! What makes Dominic smile? Flying toy helicopters and planes and reading about sharks!
Emma Yorke
At age 3, Emma was a very normal, happy, and active child. Then in the spring of 2009 she became sick. The doctor didn’t know what was wrong at first. She was very tired all of the time and kept getting high fevers for “no apparent reason”. This went on for a couple months until bloodwork was finally done. On July 9th, 2009 Emma was diagnosed with standard risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.). She spent the next 2 years and 3 months
in treatment receiving chemotherapy every day. After many lumbar punctures, needles, port and finger pokes, blood and platelet transfusions, and a few hospital “sleepovers,” she is done her treatment and doing very well. Emma enjoys playing soccer and hockey, and will participate in her 2nd triathlon this summer. We are very proud of the young girl Emma has become.
Helena Kirk
It began with a simple earache. April 1st is normally a day of laughter and good-natured humour, but there was nothing like that for the Kirk family on April 1, 2009. After a couple of days of a persistent earache, Helena - aged three and a half - was brought to her pediatrician who noticed that she was a bit pale. On an intuitive hunch, the doctor ordered a simple blood test and the next day, Helena was diagnosed with
High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.). Helena bravely endured two and a half years of daily chemo, surgeries and treatments. Throughout the period, she demonstrated a contagious joy, a capacity to soar above the treatments, and a courage that only true heroes possess. With a love of fairies, Star Wars, dance, and a wisdom beyond her years, Helena embodies hope and bravery.
Hugh Maw
On May 1st, 2011 Hugh had a terrible headache that was making him vomit. A visit to the Sick Kids emergency room began our journey. A CT scan showed that Hugh had a cancerous brain tumor (Grade 3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma). Hugh has been through 3 major brain surgeries, 33 radiation treatments and 10 rounds of chemotherapy. He is currently in
remission - this makes Mom & Dad smile. Throughout the journey, Hugh was always busy telling everyone that listened a joke. Making other people laugh is what makes Hugh smile.
Inseeya Zahra Jafri
Inseeya was not even 2 months old when she first got sick and it took the doctors 3 weeks before she got diagnosed with Infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She was an inpatient until she turned a year old almost. Needless to say, she missed out on the baby things. Her treatment was gruesome and intense as she was in the high risk category. Without getting into details about how Inseeya suffered, as looking at her at this very moment makes our family thankful that she has reached this stage of health - two and a half years of treatment that saved
her life! What makes her smile is being naughty, jumping on the bed/sofa/her dad’s tummy…anything that has a bit of a bounce! She loves her brother and her grandparents and all her aunts and uncles who love her back with all their might and thank God every day that they are able to see her healthy. The journey was rough but somehow you get the strength to fight back and be strong for your child. Pray, hope, and believe, and shower your child with love, then you’ve done whatever you could possibly have done.
Isaac Larson
When Isaac was six years old, we noticed that he was losing energy and he also had a strange rash on his feet. After months of testing Isaac was diagnosed with a rare form, and one of the worst forms, of leukemia: juvenile myleomonocytic leukemia or J.M.M.L. The only hope for a cure is a bone marrow transplant. Our family was tested to see if any of us were a match -we were not. Imagine waiting for a call that will relay the message that a 10/10 match has been found; a stranger was willing to donate her stem cells. On June 3, 2010, just before Isaac’s seventh birthday, Isaac had his bone marrow transplant at Sick Kids in Toronto. However, complications developed and treatment was not available at our children’s hospital in Halifax. Since November 2011, Isaac and I travel every two weeks from New Brunswick to Toronto for two days of ECP therapy. It was a slow process with many bumps in the road but I am happy to report that Isaac is currently off all steroids and his
liver enzymes are normal. The treatments will continue bi-weekly for a least a few more months, but then we can look forward to spreading out his treatments. Throughout all of this, one of the hardest things to endure, other than seeing Isaac at his moments of sickness or pain, is being separated as a family. Thankfully, because of the Ronald McDonald House, we are able to all go to Toronto and make a mini-vacation out of our trip to the big city. Isaac has a big brother, Oliver, and a little brother, David, and they accept Isaac’s many doctors’ appointments as normal now. David takes his role as “official hand squeezer” when Isaac gets a needle, very seriously. Throughout this time our world did change, however, we became a kinder, more loving family we know our children are a blessing. Amidst the tests and the hospital stays we have many fond memories. Isaac said, just the other day: “We don’t remember pain, but we remember happiness… maybe it wasn’t so bad that I had cancer.”
Jack
Householder
After the initial shock upon hearing our son’s diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age 5, our thoughts went to all the ways that treatment would take away from his childhood. During the 3+ years of Jack’s journey, we were taught lessons in love, hope, family, laughter and strength. Despite his challenging treatment schedule, Jack was able to enjoy family vacations, swimming lessons
and school. We followed Jack’s lead and amazed our friends (and ourselves) at how we were able to adapt and adjust to our “new normal”. While Jack’s childhood differed from what we had hoped it to be, it’s still one full of cherished memories. Now 9 years old, Jack’s calm strength and tolerant nature have driven him to complete his journey towards a cure.
Jacob
Hagen-Johnson
Jacob Hagen-Johnson, a competitive gymnast and the oldest of five children, was a quiet, strong leader. On March 23rd 2010 Jacob was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). There are situations that happen to us in life that we have absolutely no control over but what we do have is the choice on how we choose to manage the situation. Right from day one, Jacob made a choice to walk this journey with positivity and love. Many people followed Jacob’s website as they were inspired to read and feel this love and positivity through his journey in the hospital. On August 24th, Jacob’s
amazing spirit made a choice to leave his weak body and enter into pure, divine white light. A few weeks prior to this, Jacob had an idea to take “Jacob’s Story” and turn it into a foundation to help other people and their families challenging a life-threatening illness. With Jacob’s spirit so bright and strong, we are in the process of setting up the foundation in his honour. It is through Jacob that we were taught how to focus on the positive things in life and to see the miracles in each day - no matter how big or small. Thank you Jacob xoxo
Jaxson Tugnett
Jaxson was 6 months old when after showing discomfort when lying on his back - crying, being in pain, not eating and generally just not being himself, we were told he had rhabdomyosarcoma - a cancer with a long name for a little boy. Jaxson bravely underwent surgeries and treatment over a period of 40 weeks. Through it all, Jaxson continues to smile
and make us all smile. Jaxson loves singing and dancing and his dog. His most special smiles are seen when he’s with big sister Dakota and big brother Phoenix.
Jon-Marc Snider
After lots of leg pain and fevers and many doctor visits, Jon-Marc was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.) at the age of 4. There is nothing scarier than hearing the words “your child has cancer� but it is then that we realize that we are stronger than we think...and so are our children! There were many difficulties and scary days, with two
and a half years of constant chemo and countless pokes and hospital visits. The impact of cancer will always affect who we are and how we live our lives, but the strength that our superhero shows us every day motivates us to move on with hope! What makes Jon-Marc smile...Pizza, hotdogs, superheroes & hockey!
Jordan Thorne
Jordan is 15 years old and is a two time brain cancer survivor. Jordan was first diagnosed with a brain tumour at age 9 and had an 8 hour surgery to have it removed. Jordan didn’t require any treatments. Jordan returned back to school after 2 weeks. Jordan required physiotherapy to help with balance and everyday living. Three years later, Jordan got his second brain tumour at age 12. Jordan required chemo and radiation. Surgery wasn’t an option this time. Jordan’s balance is still
affected today and he has short-term memory loss. Jordan missed out a year and a half of school due to treatments, sickness, and fatigue. Jordan is in remission today. Jordan participates in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Terry Fox Run, fashion shows, and hopes to someday be a motivational speaker. Jordan likes to share his story because it gives hope to others as well and it helps him heal. We are so grateful for our miracle Jordan!
Julia Derksen
Julia was just about 3 years old when she was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in her left femur. At the time, she was the youngest in Alberta, and possibly in all of Canada, to have this diagnosis. Julia endured a grueling regime of chemotherapy, reconstructive surgery, and then more chemotherapy. Despite
many complications, and a year of very fragile bones, Julia is now 10 years old and loves to dance, perform drama, swim, and ride her bike. Her amputation reminds her every day about her cancer journey, but Julia knows life is precious, and finds joy in all she does.
Liam
Robertson
Liam was born a fighter...he was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma at just 3 months of age. Our family was in shock! He was such a perfect looking baby, how could he have cancer? We had never even heard the word Neuroblastoma, but we knew the word cancer. We also knew that Liam could beat it. He underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy, surgeries, and 6 months of Accutane. Throughout this
journey, we have learned what amazing family and friends we have and what a strong boy Liam is! What makes Liam smile?...jumping off of the dock as high as he can into the lake on a warm summer day or playing a game of road hockey with his buddies out in the snow!
Lilah
Petersiel
On her first day of life, a tumour was diagnosed on Lilah’s adrenal gland that was later diagnosed as neuroblastoma. Lilah received treatment for neuroblastoma for much of her first year of life, but is now a happy and precocious 3rd grader. To celebrate her health and
help children who face challenging prognoses, Lilah and her family started Lilah’s Fund, a family fund at Sick Kids that has already raised almost $700,000 to fund neuroblastoma research
Logan Dallner
In April of 2008, at the age of two, Logan was diagnosed with standard low-risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It was then that Logan’s long journey began, the 3 ¼ years of treatment to rid himself of the disease. Logan was a trooper through it all – the regular bloodwork, chemotherapy and other medications, lumbar punctures, and everything else
that came up during his treatment. In July of 2011, Logan completed his treatment protocol and he is now a typical 6 year old boy with lots of energy. He enjoys playing soccer, watching NASCAR, and helping his dad on the family beef farm. He has been through a lot in his young life and he is a true inspiration to our family.
Marlie
Dowe D’A ndrade
“Your daughter has leukemia - these were the words that turned our world on its head when Marlie was 17 months old. Within 24 hours she underwent bone marrow tests, a round of chemo, steroids and surgery to have a central line put in. Marlie has gone through several rounds of chemo, endured mouth sores and leg weakness, had two surgeries and lived in the hospital for 70 out of 90 days. Through all of this she has maintained
her comical, generous disposition. She was well known on the ward because she would stop and wave to or talk to all of the patients up and down the hallways while on our multiple daily walks. She constantly amazes us with her ability to endure and then bounce back and give us a smile. What makes Marlie smile? Dancing, playing chase, swinging at the park and snuggling on our laps
Maya
Gabrielle Kim
In January 2010 Maya started to have minor aches and pains on and off. There were several visits to the doctor, nothing was found, a set of x-rays was ordered and she was diagnosed with pneumonia. Maya continued to have her active lifestyle, but soon the pain in her back became so noticeable that it was time for Maya to be seen by the doctors at Sick Kids children’s hospital for a more extensive examination. On March 26th, 2010 (when she was 4 years and 2 months old), Maya was diagnosed with stage IV Neuroblastoma. Within days Maya started treatment: five rounds of chemotherapy to shrink the tumors, followed by a major abdominal surgery to remove the primary tumor and also her right kidney, followed by more chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. After the high dose chemotherapy she received during the bone marrow transplant period, Maya developed VOD This meant that Maya’s liver was too weak to go through the next step of the protocol - radiation. This meant
that Maya was out of the COG protocol and she could not receive Immunotherapy. Maya receives Irinotecan,Temadol and Vidaza chemotherapies as an outpatient at Sick Kids. This provides her with a great quality of life while keeping the cancer in check. Maya is very strong willed. Whenever she is admitted or goes to the clinic, she is not afraid to ask the doctors or nurses: “What is that for?”, “What are you doing next?”, “Why do you need to do that?” She is not shy at all and if one of the doctors or nurses pokes her or gives her a needle, she will scream at the top her lungs “You are the worst doctor ever!” Yet when she is back at home she forgets all the discomfort she has experienced, and loves to play with her friends, and family, especially with her now 16 year old brother Taylor, whom she adores. Maya has also learnt to give back, hosting yard sales and lemonade stands with her friends to support Neuroblastoma Research at Sick Kids.
Meera Porter
Meera is our MEERA-cle! Beginning of August 2011, when she was 22 months old, she had a tumor suddenly grow on her face aggressively and quickly. She was diagnosed on Aug 29th 2011 with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in the nasopharangeal region. We were told its treatment was 28 days of radiation, where it left severe burns and painful blisters on her face, and 40 weeks of intense chemo made her very sick. She also required many blood product transfusions which I am forever grateful for. All the areas Meera had radiated most likely will need corrective surgeries as they were damaged and won’t grow. Meera is a princess warrior and our hero!
In March 2012 an MRI revealed she had no more sign of the disease, and finished her chemo June 4th, 2012. Meera was to have her port removed in late September, however, a lump was found, and a MRI discovered that her cancer was back. She was to have surgery and will have chemo as well. We believe in MEERAcles! What makes Meera smile? Many things make her smile including playing fetch with her dog Logan, playing in her castle, kiddie pool or sand with her friends and family, and painting her toes, face, or on paper and most importantly: princesses. Always smiley, silly and adorable - it’s hard not to fall in love with Meera.
Mikayla A nsley
Mikayla was diagnosed with a childhood cancer called Bilateral Retinoblastoma on January 28, 2008, one week before her first birthday. The day after her birthday celebration, Mikayla started extensive high-dose systemic chemotherapy. Throughout the next year and a half, Mikayla went through 8 cycles of systemic chemotherapy, 3 injections of localized chemotherapy and 14 laser and cryotherapy treatments. On May 11, 2009, we had to face the hard truth that all treatments were failing in Mikayla’s left eye and it needed to be removed. This was Mikayla’s better seeing eye, so the removal of it left her legally blind.
One month after the surgery, Mikayla was admitted into the hospital with a strep pneumonia blood infection. Beating the odds once again, she was discharged with a full recovery. It has now been a little over 4 years since Mikayla was first diagnosed with cancer and 2 years since her last treatment. Today, Mikayla is a happy, healthy 5 year old little girl that has not let chemotherapy, cryotherapy, laser therapy, blindness, surgeries, blood infection or monthly trips to the hospital take the sparkle of life out of her eye. She is always smiling and enjoys every minute life has to offer her.
Mitchell William Frydrych
Shortly after his 3rd birthday, Mitchell was diagnosed with standard risk A.L.L. After 7 long weeks in hospital during the induction phase of chemo, Mitchell was released from hospital and was told he was in remission! He continued on with his treatment for an additional 2 years. After enduring countless chemo
treatments, lumbar punctures, and bone marrow aspirations, Mitchell finished treatment and is a survivor! Mitchell is now almost 9 years old, and enjoying time with family and friends. Mitchell is always happy! He has a great outlook on life and is always ready for an adventure!
Neil
Holdbrook
At 9 months of age, Neil was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. It took his sight but left him with an infectious personality. After exhausting all known chemotherapies at age 3, Neil was faced with a course of radiation. At the 11th hour, we discovered a chemotherapy study from Sick Kids with a combination of drugs that when used alone proved
ineffective in the fight against his tumour. This new combination provided Neil an additional 6 years to postpone radiation therapy. It has been 3 years since radiation and the tumour continues to remain stable. Neil’s favorite activity is telling jokes and cuddling with his Mom and Dad.....that’s what makes Neil smile.
Oscar Galvin
Shortly after his second birthday, Oscar was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.), and from that moment, all of our lives were changed. We were left for a few minutes to collect our thoughts and then ushered into his new hospital room and our new reality. In those few moments we did not know how we were going to keep up with the treatment plan, balance the needs of caring for our other son, and all of the living and working arrangements that needed to be made. What we came to learn was that we needed to lean on our faith, our friends, and those around us to get us through the dark days. I encourage you to find ways to engage the people around you
that will want to help, but won’t really know how. For us, social media played a role in keeping everyone informed and allowed us to share our ongoing needs. One of the defining moments for me is when we asked everyone to send Oscar a Christmas ornament as a physical representation of their love and support. We received dozens of ornaments from all over the world, even from people that we had never met! With each package that arrived, Oscar would rip open then package and run to the tree to place it on the next available branch. We called it: “The Tree of Hope” because even in those dark days, a simple gift of love always made Oscar smile.
Sam Lack
Sam was diagnosed with Stage 3 Neuroblastoma in 2005 at 19 months of age. After chemotherapy failed to halt the growth of his tumour, he underwent resection surgery at Sick Kids Hospital and has been in remission for 6 years. He is a very active 9 year old boy who loves soccer, football, biking, and monster
trucks. He also has a soft side and loves to tend to his vegetable garden and look after his Golden Retriever. Sam enjoys life everyday…he always has a smile on his face and laughs a lot!
Samantha Flannigan
This bubbly teenager was known as being contagious as her smile always lit up a room. Samantha was not only a bright and vibrant soul, but she was also an extraordinarily courageous young woman who was faced with osteosarcoma at the age of seventeen. Diagnosis came in June 2007 while Sam was a grade 11 student at Waterloo Collegiate High School. At the time, she was happily juggling part-time jobs to fund her passion for shopping and to save up to buy a car. Still, making time to spend with family and friends was her highest of priorities. She was such a natural at orchestrating gatherings to make fun times just happen. Scrapbooking to creatively capture all of the wonderful moments in life and to
make that special card was her favourite pastime. Sam’s fight with osteosarcoma didn’t stop her bubbly persona, in fact it accentuated her true form. Sam was truly filled with determination for joy and love. Following diagnosis, Sam didn’t waste any time making meaningful relationships with new friends with other sarcoma patients and their families. Her purpose in life became sharply focused on survival and time with her many loved ones. Sam battled for 17 months. Committed to her faith, she never, ever gave up hope. Her approach attracted and inspired many followers to her journey. Sam lost her battle to osteosarcoma on March 6, 2009. Her big, cheerful spirit, however, continues to live on and on.
Tobin Haas
When Tobin was 2 1/2 years old, he was diagnosed with an Anaplastic Ependymoma, a malignant brain tumour. Surgery was followed by chemo and 33 radiation treatments. Three years later, a routine MRI revealed a recurrence of the cancer. Surgery was followed by eighteen months of chemo. At the age of 9 1/2, a routine MRI showed that the cancer was back again. Surgery was followed by 30 radiation treatments. In June 2012, we
celebrated Tobin’s remarkable ten-year journey with a fundraiser, Ten for Tobin, and raised well over $10,000 for paediatric brain tumour research at SickKids. We are grateful for every day. Tobin is an Honour Roll student and he loves various sports. He has a great attitude towards life and is kind and hard-working. Playing baseball, golf, and hockey makes him smile.
Tyler McGregor
Tyler was diagnosed with Spindle Cell Sarcoma in January of 2010. At 16 years of age, he endured 12 weeks of chemotherapy and then amputation of his left leg. After another 6 months of chemotherapy, he walked out of the hospital on October 1st and was declared cancer free. Sports have always been a huge part of Tyler’s life, with hockey being his favourite. With a special
skating leg, he is able to skate again, has started playing sledge hockey, and has played a major part in the 2011 Princess Margaret’s inaugural “Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer” tournament. Tyler doesn’t focus on what he can’t do, only on what he can do, and what he can do is make a difference for other children still fighting cancer!
Our sincere gratitude goes out to the following individuals for their help in making this book possible:
OPACC Board of Directors and Staff: David Munro Barbara Johnson Stathi Afendoulis Helen Robertson Lisa Skinner Vicki Hartman Marlene Oleiro
Tina Smith Diane Belsey Tracey Keighley-Clarke John Pasternak Sarai Porretta James Thomson Susan Kuczynski.
A special thank you goes out to Susan Kuczynski for her invaluable help in engaging families to participate in this project!
The Smiling Eyes Photographers: Christine Kufske, www.clickphotography.ca Founder - Smiling Eyes Project Zelia Bester
www.zeliabesterstudios.com
Liz Bradley
www.elizabethandjane.ca
Kurt Brown
www.2tonestudios.ca
Sarah Brunger
www.sarahbrungerphoto.com
Jennifer Gillespie
www.jenandchrisphotography.com
Krista Jefferson
www.edisonphotography.com
Nicole Kaufman
www.kaufmanklicks.wordpress.com
Kelly MacDonald
www.kellymacdonaldphoto.com
Darlene McCowan
www.jakal-photography.com
Sandra Regier
www.sandraregier.com
Holly Schnider
www.photosbyholly.ca
Alicia Thurston
www.aliciathurston.com
Corina Van Sluytman www.corinavphotography.com
Sarah Mueller - The Design Truth www.thedesigntruth.com
Jay Mandarino C.J. Skateboard Park & School www.cjskateboardpark.com
A special thank you to C.J. Graphics for supporting the cost of this project. www.cjgraphics.com
Last, but certainly not least, thanks go out to all of the incredible families who shared their poignant stories and photos with us - without which this book would not be possible. And especially to all of the kids – our “Heroes Coming Through” – for their courage and inspiration! Aleisha’s Family The Ansley Family Camryn’s Family Connor’s Family The Dallner Family The Derksen Family The Dowe D’Andrade Family The Flannigan Family The Frydrych Family The Galvin Family The Gillespie-Bumstead Family The Haas Family The Hagen-Johnson Family
The Holdbrook Family The Householder Family The Jafri Family The Jolicoeur Family The Kim Family The Kirk Family The Kuczynski Family The Lack Family The Larson Family The Malolepszy Family The Martello Family The Maw Family The McGregor Family
The Nijenhuis Family The Petersiel Family The Porter Family The Robb Family The Robertson Family The Snider Family The Thorne Family The Tiessen Family The Tugnett Family The White Family The Yorke Family
Thank You!
HOPE