Team Cai
Donation protected
Cai wasn’t even a year old when he was diagnosed with a tumour inside his spinal cord, high in the neck. In January 2016, he had a long and dangerous surgery that successfully removed much of the tumour.
Cai endured months in a brace, as well endless appointments and therapies to re-learn how to walk and to use his arms and legs. Despite some lingering and probably lifelong problems, he has consistently blown away therapists’ expectations and shown incredible bravery, resilience, and joy.
In late summer 2016, before his second birthday, Cai began having more trouble walking. The tumour has returned. There is a clinical trial of an experimental drug that has shown promise for tumours like his, and his doctors feel it is his best treatment option. Unfortunately, the drug trial is in Toronto, and Cai and his parents, Amie (Vander Mey) and Brett McLean, live in Vancouver.
Soon, Amie will take Cai to Toronto to begin treatment. They will initially have to stay for an estimated 5 weeks, and then fly back every month for more tests for the foreseeable future (he may be on the drug for well beyond a year). The drug trial will later reimburse a portion of travel costs, and Amie and Cai are hoping to get a spot at Ronald McDonald House.
Brett will mainly need to stay in Vancouver to work. Amie’s maternity leave expired the month Cai was diagnosed, and she has not been able to return to work. She was also in the final stages of her Ph.D. program, but has had to go on leave and her ability to return is uncertain. Brett is a teacher in the Coquitlam school district and a long time rugby coach.
This page is to provide some help for the family in managing the up-front travel costs of accessing treatment, as well as: costs of medical equipment and supplies; doctor and therapist recommended items and activities; and easing the family’s financial burden to the extent they can focus on getting their son well. Once Cai is healthy and has a clear prognosis, any unused funds will be evenly divided between BC Children’s Hospital Pediatric Neurosurgery Fund and Ronald McDonald House.
Please do not give beyond your means, and know that love and good wishes for Cai are equally, and deeply, appreciated.
Cai endured months in a brace, as well endless appointments and therapies to re-learn how to walk and to use his arms and legs. Despite some lingering and probably lifelong problems, he has consistently blown away therapists’ expectations and shown incredible bravery, resilience, and joy.
In late summer 2016, before his second birthday, Cai began having more trouble walking. The tumour has returned. There is a clinical trial of an experimental drug that has shown promise for tumours like his, and his doctors feel it is his best treatment option. Unfortunately, the drug trial is in Toronto, and Cai and his parents, Amie (Vander Mey) and Brett McLean, live in Vancouver.
Soon, Amie will take Cai to Toronto to begin treatment. They will initially have to stay for an estimated 5 weeks, and then fly back every month for more tests for the foreseeable future (he may be on the drug for well beyond a year). The drug trial will later reimburse a portion of travel costs, and Amie and Cai are hoping to get a spot at Ronald McDonald House.
Brett will mainly need to stay in Vancouver to work. Amie’s maternity leave expired the month Cai was diagnosed, and she has not been able to return to work. She was also in the final stages of her Ph.D. program, but has had to go on leave and her ability to return is uncertain. Brett is a teacher in the Coquitlam school district and a long time rugby coach.
This page is to provide some help for the family in managing the up-front travel costs of accessing treatment, as well as: costs of medical equipment and supplies; doctor and therapist recommended items and activities; and easing the family’s financial burden to the extent they can focus on getting their son well. Once Cai is healthy and has a clear prognosis, any unused funds will be evenly divided between BC Children’s Hospital Pediatric Neurosurgery Fund and Ronald McDonald House.
Please do not give beyond your means, and know that love and good wishes for Cai are equally, and deeply, appreciated.
Organizer
Sheila VanderMey
Organizer
Sherwood Park, AB
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