HELP SUPPORT DEVON IN HIS FIGHT AGAINST BRAIN CANCER

We are reaching out to share devastating news that has deeply impacted everyone who loves Devon. He was recently diagnosed with grade 4 Astrocytoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Diagnosis -

On November 23rd, Devon experienced a grand mal seizure in his sleep, which his partner, Matraysa, woke up to. After being rushed to the hospital and undergoing an urgent brain scan, Devon was initially cleared to go home without answers and told to wait for a neurology appointment in the coming weeks.

Approximately thirty minutes later, Devon received a call from the hospital urging him to return immediately. Upon further review, doctors had “found something” and required urgent additional imaging. Devon and Matraysa rushed back to the hospital, where they waited for more than 24 hours with their one-month-old son, Bentley.

After extensive advocating and enduring immense fear and uncertainty, further scans revealed a brain tumor in the right hemisphere of Devon’s brain. Devon was quickly referred to a surgeon and scheduled for surgery on December 8th. Due to significant swelling, it was determined that obtaining tissue would be risky, but necessary.

Devon’s surgery was successful, and he was discharged the following day to recover at home. Shortly after returning home, however, Devon developed a severe headache and blurred vision. Concerned, the family returned to the hospital, where it took several hours to be assessed and receive a CT scan to rule out any brain bleed etc. Devon was once again cleared and sent home.

On December 17th, Devon began showing concerning symptoms before an appointment at HSC to have his staples removed. Matraysa had an ambulance called, fearing he may have another seizure. Although Devon’s vitals appeared stable and medical staff initially did not express major concern, Matraysa strongly advocated that something was wrong.

During the ambulance ride back to HSC, Devon suffered his second grand mal seizure. Following this seizure, he was not returning to his baseline as he had after the first. Matraysa continued to advocate relentlessly for further testing and treatment. After more than 24 hours and repeated requests, Devon underwent extensive testing, including an MRI, CT scan, EEG, chest X-ray, and abdominal CT.

Doctors determined that Devon had been experiencing continuous “mini seizures” throughout this entire period. New seizure medications were introduced, and Devon slowly began to stabilize. On December 22nd, another EEG was performed, showing improvement, though seizure activity was still present in his brain indicating further medication was needed for full stabilization and control over the seizure activity before being sent home next. Devon was discharged, where he and his family returned home shortly after Christmas.

On January 5th, a treatment plan was reviewed with the family. It was determined surgery to remove as much of the tumour possible was not going to be done, but rather Devon would begin chemotherapy and radiation to slow the growth of the tumour and help manage symptoms. The family is now in the process of sending off all medical records to obtain additional opinions and seek treatment internationally to give Devon the chance he deserves.

Who Devon Is -

Devon has always been a kind, caring, and selfless person—someone who would do anything to help others. He welcomes everyone with his warm, genuine smile and has a way of making people feel seen, valued, and supported. Devon is otherwise healthy, he is active being apart of the hockey community and an active member in the community. Now, during the most difficult time of his life, we want to surround him with the same love and care he has always shown to others.

Despite the fear and uncertainty ahead, Devon is facing this journey with incredible courage and determination. He is beginning both chemotherapy and radiation—treatments that will be physically exhausting and emotionally overwhelming, but vital in his fight against cancer.

Why We Are Asking for Help -

As Devon begins treatment, he and his partner, Matraysa, are doing everything they can to remain strong while caring for their two-month-old baby boy, Bentley. This chapter of their lives should be filled with bonding, joy, and new beginnings, but instead it has been met with overwhelming challenges, stress, and financial strain.

The family is now facing significant additional expenses, including:

• Loss of income while Devon is unable to work during treatment

• Loss of income while Matraysa steps away from work to support Devon and care for their newborn

• Costs associated with medications and supportive therapies

• Everyday living expenses throughout treatment

• Travel-related expenses for hospital visits, including fuel, parking, meals, ambulances and other out-of-pocket costs

• Seeking international treatment, including travel expenses, food, medications and all other costs associated

How You Can Help -

Any contribution—no matter the amount—will help ease the financial burden and allow Devon and Matraysa to focus on what matters most: Devon’s health and caring for baby Bentley. If you are unable to donate, sharing this page to reach others or keeping their family in your thoughts and prayers is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this incredibly difficult time.