Our son Lachlan is 16 years old, nonverbal, medically complex, and lives with a rare genetic condition called ATRX syndrome. Despite the many challenges he has faced throughout his life, he continues to bring joy, personality, humour, and light into our home every single day.

Recently, our world changed overnight.

After months of increasing pain and difficulty walking, we were referred to Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary for further testing. We have now received confirmation that Lachlan has bone cancer. While we are still awaiting final genetic results to determine the exact type, we know that the road ahead will involve chemotherapy, hospital admissions, frequent appointments, ongoing scans and testing, and significant medical care.

As parents, we are doing everything we can to keep him safe, comfortable, and supported through what will likely be the hardest chapter of his life.

Because Lachlan is fully dependent for mobility and daily care, transportation has become one of our biggest immediate challenges.

He already requires assistance for transfers, positioning, feeding, medications, and personal care, and treatment will make these physical demands even greater. Between pain, fatigue, mobility loss, and the effects of chemotherapy, safely transporting him to and from Calgary for treatment is becoming increasingly difficult in a standard vehicle.

We are hoping to raise funds toward a wheelchair accessible van that would allow us to safely transport Lachlan to chemotherapy, hospital stays, specialist appointments, emergency visits, and ongoing treatment.

A wheelchair accessible van would not only make transportation safer for Lachlan, but would also:

As many families know, accessible vehicles are incredibly expensive, even when purchased used. Any funds raised beyond the cost of transportation needs will go directly toward Lachlan’s ongoing medical, travel, accessibility, and care expenses throughout treatment.

If you are able to donate, share, or support our family in any way, we are deeply grateful. Even simply sharing this fundraiser helps more than we can express.

Thank you for surrounding our family with so much kindness, support, and love during this unimaginable time. We are holding onto hope with everything we have.

With gratitude,

Colette, Brad, Isla, and Lachlan