Help 22-Year Old Cole Little Conquer Osteosarcoma

Hi, my name is Kathy Neeves and I am raising money to help Cole Little. Cole is the son of Cindy and Ron Little as well as the brother of Ali Little. My husband, myself and our community care deeply about this family.

At the age of 20, Cole Little took his first steps from his family home in the Cowichan Valley into his life adventure. As a vibrant young man, he had already found what he was passionate about and was pursuing his dream of becoming a chef through training at Vancouver Island University and through working at the Cobblestone Pub, Unsworth Winery and most recently the Hotel Pan Pacific in Vancouver. He had dreams of traveling to Italy to further hone his craft. Cole was ready to take on the world!

Just before his 21st birthday, his world was turned upside down. What began as a sore back was soon diagnosed as a very rare cancer, Osteosarcoma. This is the same cancer that Terry Fox was afflicted with.

Cole’s new journey began with a lengthy course of chemotherapy to shrink a very large tumor so that surgery could become viable. The extensive surgery occurred in early October and was extremely invasive with the left side of his pelvic bone being removed (hemipelvectomy), along with his tailbone. Ligaments and muscles needed to be attached to the remaining hip bone. Following the surgery, infection set in and he has had to endure high doses of antibiotics and follow-up surgeries.

In early January, 2023 Cole turned 22. He has spent approximately three months in hospital through these surgeries and the very painful early rehabilitation. It has been a difficult year and he has many difficulties ahead. He will move to GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre for further rehabilitation when he is ready. At this point, he can barely move but he is making progress. It will take approximately 2 years for him to fully heal and he will require a cane for the rest of his life.

The thing with Cole is that he has not lost that cheeky glint in his eye or his positive attitude. That, along with the immense love and support of his family and the community are what keeps him going.

Cole needs our financial support to help him through these next 24 months. Along with basic living expenses, there will continue to be additional costs, including expensive leg braces and a customized wheelchair that can properly support him given the removal of his tailbone and left pelvic bone.

Thank you for any amount that you can contribute to support Cole as he recovers and rehabilitates. Please accept heartfelt appreciation from Cole, Ron, Cindy and Ali.