Help me help Melissa and Bradley !

Hi, my name is Michelle, Melissa is my youngest sister and her son Bradley, is my nephew. Bradley was diagnosed at 18 months old with Jeuvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma or JPA II. Jeuvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA) is a rare childhood brain tumour. In most cases, the tumor is a benign, slow growing tumor that usually does not spread to surrounding brain tissue. Symptoms of a JPA will vary depending upon the size and location of the tumor. Most symptoms result from increased pressure on the brain and include headaches, nausea, vomiting, balance problems and vision abnormalities. The most common treatment is tumour removal. Unfortunately for our family, the location of Bradley’s tumour makes it almost inoperable. Complete removal is impossible as it’s located above the brain stem.

Bradley is currently inpatient at Sick kids while his team determine our next plan of action. His sodium levels are dangerously low and the tumour is not responding as well as the team had hoped to the current round of chemo. Last week, he underwent a shunt revision surgery to replace the catheter in the shunt in his brain and clear a blockage that was causing a build up of fluid. The week prior, he was fighting a bout of cellulitis that caused him pain and decreased range of motion in his shoulder and arm where the shunt runs down to his stomach.

Bradley has been through several rounds of chemo therapy both clinical trials and front line forms of treatment. He has had 3 VP shunt surgeries by the young age of 8. He’s endured nasal feeding tubes, gastro feeding tubes and regular port access for years. As a result of treatment he has also battled skin infections, physical deficits and the mental load of being a child in treatment.

Melissa has been fighting alongside Bradley for 6 years now. While her, Bradley’s father Johan and our family have done our best, Bradley’s care has made it nearly impossible for Melissa to maintain any sort of employment. She’s driving down to Toronto once a week on average for treatment and testing and it’s taken a toll on her vehicle. Sick Kids hospital and their network have been excellent at connecting Melissa to resources for assistance with groceries and funds to help Bradley at holidays or with summer camps etc. but there isn’t funding to replace or repair vehicles.

This is where you all come in!

I am hoping to raise funds to help Melissa repair her vehicle, or if it is in fact beyond repair, help her acquire a more reliable one. All funds raised will go directly to this cause. Any additional funds will be used to help with gas and other expenses relating to Bradley’s care. Melissa hates asking for help but she is truly in need and while I would love to provide for her, my family and I are not in a position to help out anymore than we already are. Every dollar counts and we are so thankful for any and all contributions. If you aren’t able to contribute please consider sharing this fundraiser instead.