A week shy of his 3rd birthday, Isaac was admitted to the Montreal Children’s Hospital for what initially appeared to be bacterial meningitis. Through treatment and a CT scan, doctors discovered a large mass located on his brain stem. He was then transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa for specialized hospitalization and care.
On August 14, 2025, Isaac bravely underwent a 16-hour brain surgery, during which the majority of the tumour was successfully removed. Unfortunately, portions of the tumour remain in multiple locations that are too risky for surgical removal.
To give Isaac the best possible chance at recovery, he will undergo cycles of chemotherapy, followed by reassessment for a possible second brain surgery to remove as much of the remaining tumour as possible. After this, Isaac will need highly specialized radiation treatment.
The safest option for Isaac is proton therapy, a precise form of radiation that targets the tumour while minimizing damage to the surrounding brain tissue. This precision is especially critical for young children, as conventional radiation available in Canada is less targeted and would significantly increase Isaac’s risk of secondary cancers, memory loss, developmental delays, and learning difficulties. Because proton therapy is not offered in Canada, Isaac and his parents, Matt and Catherine, must travel to the United States for treatment.
Catherine, a proud member of the RCMP for over 11 years and daughter of a 35-year, still serving Member, has been able to take time off to support Isaac while continuing to receive her salary. Matt, who works in construction, was generously granted 7 weeks off of work, but the travel and extended treatments in the U.S. mean he will need to take a leave of absence during Isaac’s treatment.
This GoFundMe has been created to ease the financial strain on the family. Funds will go directly toward:
• Travel and accommodations in the U.S. for Isaac’s treatments.
• Meals and daily expenses while away from home.
• Lost income during Matt’s leave of absence.
• Support for extended family to stay in Ottawa with Isaac’s 16-month-old brother, Elliot, so that while both parents are away for Isaac’s treatments, Elliot can remain in his home environment, with as little disruption to his routine as possible.
Isaac’s journey is just beginning, and he faces an incredibly tough road ahead. But with the right treatment, the love of his family, and the support of a caring community, there is hope for healing and a bright future.
Your donations, shares, and messages of encouragement mean more than words can express. Every contribution helps bring this family closer to ensuring Isaac receives the life-saving treatment he needs while also supporting little Elliot at home.
Catherine's friends have created this fundraiser to help support her son, Isaac, and their family. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with Isaac and his family during this unimaginable time.