Love & Support for Kieran Brown

Kieran Brown is 18 years old and was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma in late July with spleen, liver, abdomen and bone marrow involvement. He has a mass on his chest that is 15cm as well as other smaller masses. Kieran already had 1 mass removed from his clavicle as it was quite uncomfortable.  Despite this terrible news, Kieran's oncologist is very optimistic about Kieran's prognosis and treatment.

This has been a very overwhelming and difficult time for Kieran and his family. He lives with his amazing mother Cindy in Nanaimo, BC and has a brother Tyson who lives in Nanaimo as well; and a brother Ethan who lost his battle with brain cancer nearly two years ago.  Cindy is a single mother without any financial support who became a nurse with the help of family, to give her children a better life.  In 2013, Cindy lost her mother and key support system to Glioblastoma Multiforme which is a very serious form of brain cancer.  Seven weeks after her mom's death, Cindy's 18 year old son Ethan was also diagnosed with the same brain cancer and passed away on August 31st, 2015. During Ethan's illness, Cindy injured her knee and has been unable to work since as a result.  She is currently on disability and has been recovering from a long awaited surgery. 

Kieran has started four types of aggressive chemotherapy and is currently being treated for nausea and pain. He is experiencing side effects from the high dose of chemotherapy but is determined to try and share time with friends and loved ones as much as possible.  He is a member of a great hockey community in Nanaimo and lives for the chance to get on the ice whenever he can. Sadly he is unable to skate or play hockey during his illness as the mass on his chest could cause him to have health complications. 

For those who know Kieran, you know that he is such a strong young man, and an example to all of us in kindness, compassion and friendship. I am so blessed to be part of his family and have been asked to keep this page updated so we can all follow his progress and send him love and strength. Kieran is going to make it through this challenge and be back to hockey and living life as he planned in no time. It is important for all of us to have faith and send Kieran positive messages, vibes, love, strength and friendship. 

As this is expected to be a long road to recovery with regular travelling to Victoria and Vancouver for treatment and the only source of income is from Cindy’s disability, we are gratefully accepting donations to help support Cindy and Kieran.  Even if Cindy becomes medically cleared to work again, she is unable to leave her son to do so and as a mother and sole caregiver of this family, we wouldn't expect her to.  Her need is so great and as much as it is hard for her to ask for help, it is necessary for their survival and well-being. These funds will help Cindy and Kieran with travel for treatment, accommodations during treatment, groceries, prescription medication and paying bills while Kieran goes through this long and difficult process.  Cindy is a caregiver of her children but also as a nurse, has been a caregiver for total strangers in their most difficult times. She is a beautiful and giving person who is in a fragile place right now and needs your help so she can care for her son.   If you are able to make a donation, no matter how big or small, we are so appreciative.  If you can only share with others, we are equally grateful. Every bit of support helps so much.  From the deepest part of our hearts, we thank you for your love, well wishes and generosity.  xo