Hi, I’m Mallory Tomlinson, Mavriks auntie and sister in law to Vanessa and Derek.

Sixteen months ago, Vanessa and Derek’s world changed forever.

At just two years old, Mavrik was diagnosed with Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma. What followed was something no child should ever have to endure; 5 rounds of chemotherapy, 2 high-dose stem cell transplants, radiation, surgery, and months of immunotherapy.

Through every needle, every hospital stay, every scan — he showed us what courage really looks like.

They have had to live nine hours away from Prince George, the community that raised him, loves him, and cheers him on. While treatment has kept them far from home, PG has never felt far from their hearts. Your messages, meals, fundraisers, prayers, and support carried them through the hardest days.

And through it all, hockey has been Mavrik’s light.

He talks about the rink. He watches games from his hospital bed. He wears his jerseys proudly. Hockey gave him something bigger than cancer — it gave him fight, teamwork, and belief. When treatment was long and exhausting, hockey reminded him he was still a kid with dreams.

After 16 months of relentless treatment, they were nearing the end. They were preparing to ring the bell.

But recent scans showed new growth in his tumor site.

A PET scan confirmed what they feared. Mavrik is facing a localized relapse.

While the cancer has not spread elsewhere, this means another battle. More chemotherapy. Possible surgery. More time away from home. More unknowns.

Relapse is something we always knew was possible with high-risk neuroblastoma; but knowing doesn’t make it easier.

What we do know is this:

Mavrik has beaten the odds before.

He has responded well to treatment in the past.

And he is not done fighting.

As we move forward, our focus is clear — aggressive treatment, careful decisions with his medical team, and keeping his spirit strong.

Living nine hours away from their treatment center means constant travel and extended stays away from home and their other two children in Prince George.

The funds raised will help with:

• Fuel for long drives back and forth

• Flights when urgent travel is required

• Accommodations during out patient hospital stays

• Groceries while living away from home and for at home for their other 2 kids and the parent who’s home with them

• Medications and supportive drugs not fully covered (there are surprisingly a lot over this 16 months)

• Additional medical expenses and therapies that aren’t covered

• Unexpected costs that come with long-term pediatric cancer care

There are many medications, supportive treatments, and out-of-pocket costs that add up quickly, especially during relapse treatment. They also try their best to keep the kids together as much as possible as they love each other so much and it’s one of the hardest battles for Mavrik to be away from them.

Most of all, your support allows us to focus on Mavrik instead of finances. Thank you for being part of Team Mavrik