Mitchell's Medical Fund
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In the spring of 2016 our 21 year old nephew Mitchell Richard was diagnosed with a tumor that was felt to be a benign neurofibroma. This growth involved the intercostal nerve bundle and was growing towards his spinal cord causing discomfort. Both a thoracic surgeon and a neuro surgeon would be required to remove the tumor due to its proximity to the spinal cord.
Over the next few months, while awaiting surgical consults, Mitchell began experiencing a variety of other symptoms such as an increase in pain, the onset of Horners syndrome and numbness and tingling from the chest down. These caused him to seek medical attention and finally be sent to Halifax by ambulance. He was discharged after some hours of observation. After follow up insistence, an MRI was performed 2 days later which showed a marked growth in the tumor.
On Nov. 5th he was admitted to hospital in Halifax and underwent a biopsy which revealed that the tumor was cancerous. It would be much later when pathology determined that is was a very rare peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a “Triton” tumor. Once a plan was put together, Mitchell underwent a 16 hour surgery to remove the tumor, three vertebrae, several ribs, part of his chest wall, sever 3 nerves and then reconstruct his spine. Two subsequent surgeries for internal bleeding were necessary. Through all of this Mitchell has remained positive and strong in his fight to beat this disease.
In December he was transferred to the Rehabilitation hospital and began physio and occupational therapy to improve his strength and mobility.
Because of the rareness of this tumor Oncologists felt it was advisable to be referred to a larger cancer centre that may have more experience with this particular type of tumor. On December 31st Mitchell and his parents travelled to Toronto to begin assessments and treatment for his cancer. He is not a patient in hospital as he is being treated as an outpatient and is staying at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Lodge. Because of his illness he is not working and has a long journey ahead of him to recover. The cost of staying in Toronto for the next seven to eight weeks for his treatment is considerable, not to mention the costs of medication and assistive devices such as walkers, canes, and wheelchairs.
This brave young man has been strong and courageous throughout this whole journey thus far and not for one minute has there been any negative thinking as he chose to take all of his energy and put it into his recovery. Mitchell loves the outdoors and nature and we are looking forward to when he can walk through the woods, kayak across a lake and climb mountains again.
He will beat this.
As his family we are asking for any and all donations for Mitchell to help with the costs of his treatment so he can place all of his energy into fighting his cancer.
From Mitchell’s family, friends and community we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Over the next few months, while awaiting surgical consults, Mitchell began experiencing a variety of other symptoms such as an increase in pain, the onset of Horners syndrome and numbness and tingling from the chest down. These caused him to seek medical attention and finally be sent to Halifax by ambulance. He was discharged after some hours of observation. After follow up insistence, an MRI was performed 2 days later which showed a marked growth in the tumor.
On Nov. 5th he was admitted to hospital in Halifax and underwent a biopsy which revealed that the tumor was cancerous. It would be much later when pathology determined that is was a very rare peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a “Triton” tumor. Once a plan was put together, Mitchell underwent a 16 hour surgery to remove the tumor, three vertebrae, several ribs, part of his chest wall, sever 3 nerves and then reconstruct his spine. Two subsequent surgeries for internal bleeding were necessary. Through all of this Mitchell has remained positive and strong in his fight to beat this disease.
In December he was transferred to the Rehabilitation hospital and began physio and occupational therapy to improve his strength and mobility.
Because of the rareness of this tumor Oncologists felt it was advisable to be referred to a larger cancer centre that may have more experience with this particular type of tumor. On December 31st Mitchell and his parents travelled to Toronto to begin assessments and treatment for his cancer. He is not a patient in hospital as he is being treated as an outpatient and is staying at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Lodge. Because of his illness he is not working and has a long journey ahead of him to recover. The cost of staying in Toronto for the next seven to eight weeks for his treatment is considerable, not to mention the costs of medication and assistive devices such as walkers, canes, and wheelchairs.
This brave young man has been strong and courageous throughout this whole journey thus far and not for one minute has there been any negative thinking as he chose to take all of his energy and put it into his recovery. Mitchell loves the outdoors and nature and we are looking forward to when he can walk through the woods, kayak across a lake and climb mountains again.
He will beat this.
As his family we are asking for any and all donations for Mitchell to help with the costs of his treatment so he can place all of his energy into fighting his cancer.
From Mitchell’s family, friends and community we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Organizer
John Richard
Organizer
Dieppe, NB
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