On November 8th, my brother Isaac made a trip to his family doctor with concerns of a few swollen lymph nodes on his left side. His doctor routinely put him on a round of antibiotics and sent him for bloodwork, and an ultrasound which confirmed the lymph nodes were swollen and a high white blood cell count.

After a week of antibiotics things quickly went downhill. On November 16th he landed himself at the south health campus as his lymph nodes became more of a concern. Countless tests and scans later, he was told it was one of two things: A serious infection or lymphoma, only a biopsy left to confirm.

While waiting for his biopsy, he was diagnosed with pericarditis which also brought a touch of pneumonia landing him in CCU. A second biopsy of a full lymph node removal was also needed.

On November 28th, Isaac was diagnosed with ALK+ Anaplastic T Cell Lymphoma.

A very rare form of lymphoma that attacks not only his lymph nodes but his entire body and most of all his immune system, hence the various health issues Isaac had been faced with.

After his diagnosis, he spent another few days in the hospital and began pre-cancer treatments to ensure his body was equipped for chemotherapy. He was released the evening of December 3rd and had one more visit at the South Health Campus for a bronchoscopy to ensure there was no clotting or infections present.

Isaac met with his oncology team on December 5th and was told if this was left untreated we would have lost him within months, scary! His lymphoma type is very aggressive but curable.

On Saturday December 7th, Isaac started his first of six rounds of chemotherapy, taking place 21 days apart. In addition, a possible stem cell transplant thereafter to give Isaac his best chance at staying cancer free.

Isaac is an active and charismatic 28 year old guy who lives life to the fullest everyday that he can. Summers you can find him outdoors golfing, fishing, camping, boating, hiking and coaching high school baseball. In the winters he enjoys snowboarding and lacing his skates up to play mens league hockey. Dedicated and hardworking he has made quite the name for himself working for ATB since before graduating from university, and has set goals for his future that we know he will achieve! He has accomplished and exceeded many goals in raising money towards men's health, something that he continues to passionately advocate for. Not only with his sweet stache but in his everyday walk of life.

You can now start to see how Isaac’s life has completely flipped since his diagnosis. With that said, we don't believe he is done dipping his toes into living his fullest life anytime soon. Isaac is taking on this challenge with the love and support of his family and friends, and has only one plan, to kick this Cancers ass and send it far into remission.

All funds raised will go towards unexpected expenses to ensure he can focus on his health during treatment, cover any necessary medical expenses that are not covered through insurance, and any other expenses related to this journey to keep Isaac in a state of normal. Isaac also has a strong request to be able to give back to those who have supported him throughout this process. So many great friends, family members, nurses, paramedics, and doctors that Isaac has gratitude for.

We are sincerely grateful for all heart felt care, whether it be prayer, love, meals or monetary support, it means the world to him!