#CanadayStrong: A Lifelong Journey

The Canaday's are a DeKalb, IL family who are dealing with multiple health and medical issues. Mark and Amy have 3 sons;  Brandon, Aviation student at SUI-Carbondale, Chad and Christopher are students at DHS. Mark has been fighting cancer for the past 2 years and Christopher was born with a rare congenital heart defect; pulmonary atresia—a heart defect where the left side of the heart is not fully developed. The couple lost their newborn daughter to the same heart defect as Christopher.

Christopher has had 43 surgeries/procedures due to his congenital heart defect and continues to face lifelong health issues. Since birth, Christopher has endured 7 open heart surgeries, including one to insert a combined pacemaker and defibrillator to help his heart maintain a steady rhythm.  

In the mix of all things Christopher's father, Mark, has overcome a battle with esophageal cancer along with the removal of a larger tumor located over his left lung. Unfortunately, his cancer has returned and has began his fifth battle which is continuing to spread.  Mark will be treated with chemotherapy indefinitely. Surgery is not an option for him.  Not only do the Canaday's appreciate the love and support but Mark appreciates the love and support in the event that his cancer continues to spread. 

The Canaday’s are living life to its fullest.  They find joy all they do and are blessed with laughter and amazing support from family and friends.  They treat each day as a gift and are happy to be making memories with those who mean the most to them.