We met Blakely and her mom Jessica on our very first day at KGH in the pediatric oncology clinic. I remember feeling both heartbroken to see another baby in the room, and oddly comforted to know we weren't alone when Spencer was starting chemo at just 13 months of age. Blakely was diagnosed several months before us with hepatoblastoma, a liver cancer and was awaiting liver transplant while undergoing chemotherapy. In 2023 Blakely finally received word that she would be the recipient of a donor liver and their family went through an arduous and stressful transplant process. The transplant procedure was thankfully successful and things seemed to be finally moving in the direction of Blakely being able to enjoy a normal childhood.

Fast forward to today, Spencer and Blakely are still among the youngest patients at our treatment centre and have bittersweetly become familiar friendly faces for one another. Unfortunately, despite the success with Blakely's liver surgery, new tumours were found in her lungs not long after having been declared cancer free. In the meantime, Blakely's family welcomed a baby sister, but I can only imagine how devastating it was for them to learn of a such a setback & resume intensive chemotherapy all while caring for a newborn as well.

Through seeing them at clinic and following along with their story on social media, I've learned that Blakely has now had three surgical attempts at removing the lesions in her lungs that have failed. They are currently awaiting approval for the surgery to be done by an expert in the US. While the surgery will thankfully be covered by insurance, I can only imagine that the trip will cost a significant amount of money and resources to be able to make it happen. I know from personal experience how time consuming it is to have a child with cancer and how that contributes to financial strain in a family due to a loss of income, let alone having to leave the country to do so.

Their story and journey has touched my heart and I would love to be able to help them in some small way. Through talking to Jessica, Blakely's mom, I learned that she would be blessed to have a Wonderfold Wagon to help transport the two little girls to and from all the appointments and eventually to get Blakely back and forth to school come September, God willing.

The goal of this campaign is to raise enough funds for the wagon (they range in price from $600 - 1200 and i believe I will be able to secure a discount from a friend - thank you!)

Additional funds raised will be given directly to the family to help offset some of the expenses incurred from Blakely's care (gas, parking, time off work, upcoming travel to the US for surgery...etc.).

If you called to donate any amount, we would be so grateful!

Jackie & Spencer