I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for supporting Zoey and her family. Zoey is currently undergoing the consolidation phase of her chemotherapy, which is sometimes referred to as the intensification phase. After completing this phase, she will transition into the maintenance cycle of her treatment. It’s been an emotional journey, but we are relieved to see that Zoey is becoming more active and energetic as time goes on. In fact, she’s even returned to school, something we never thought we’d see so soon, and it’s been a huge milestone for her and our family.
Despite her progress, there are still moments when her health requires extra care. Occasionally, when Zoey experiences a fever, we don’t hesitate to take her to SickKids Hospital to ensure she gets the attention she needs. Thankfully, we now have our OHIP coverage, which has been a big help. However, we are still responsible for covering the hospital bills from her earlier treatments, which are significant. The total amount we owe is $210,763, and although it’s a daunting figure, we’ve already begun making payments. We are doing our best to manage these costs, and we’re hopeful that with each passing month, we will make progress toward paying it off.
It’s been a challenging time, but we are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received and for Zoey’s resilience. She continues to amaze us every day with her strength and determination
Despite the challenges of balancing work, school, and multiple hospital visits each week for Zoey's treatment, there is a sense of relief as her health improves.Zoey's remarkable resilience shines through. Her unwavering optimism and determination serve as a beacon of hope for the entire family. Despite the present hardships, Zoey dreams of a future where she can reciprocate the care she receives by becoming a doctor and helping others in need.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed.
Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Hearts,
I'm here to help a truly kind and funny friend whose daughter had recently been diagnosed with Leukemia. Being a father myself I can't imagine how tough this must be. I recall Mike telling me how much he missed his family and how excited he was when the finally got to come to Canada. He has always been family orientated and speaking about new places in Canada he wants to go see with his family.
A little about the Calderon Family;
Zoey, a vibrant grade 6 student, fills her world with colors through her love for painting and drawing, reflecting a personality that beams with positivity.
In March 2023, Zoey her mom and two siblings embarked on a new journey, leaving their homeland to build a brighter future in Canada on Mike's student visa. The Calderon family consists of Zoey's two siblings, Zhummer and Noah, creating a close-knit bond as they navigated through the challenges of starting anew in a foreign land.
Tragically, on December 23, 2023, their lives took an unexpected turn when Zoey was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a form of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow. This devastating news shook the Calderon family to its core, as they faced not only the emotional toll but also the financial strain that accompanied Zoey's necessary medical treatments.
Compounding the difficulties is the family's ineligibility for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) due to their status as international students. Mike, dedicated to his education, juggles full-time studies while working part-time, and Cristine contributes by working part-time as well. Unfortunately, OHIP coverage requires full-time employment, leaving the Calderon family grappling with the mounting medical bills.
As of now, the Calderons have incurred a staggering balance of $270,681.74 for Zoey's chemotherapy, and this amount does not include the ongoing and future treatments essential for her recovery. This is where we, as a community, can make a difference.
Join us in raising funds to alleviate the financial burden on the Calderon family, enabling Zoey to focus on her journey towards recovery. Every contribution, big or small, will bring them one step closer to ensuring Zoey receives the care she needs.
Let's come together and help Zoey shine even brighter through this challenging chapter of her life. Your generosity will not only make a significant impact on her journey but also serve as a testament to the power of community and compassion.
Thank you for opening your hearts to Zoey and the Calderon family. Together, we can make a difference and bring a little more light into Zoey's world.
With gratitude,
Kevin

