My Fight Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Afrer several weeks of various symptoms that grew more alarming as time passed, I decided to visit my family doctor on November 13, 2024. The next day, I went to the hospital after receiving a call from my family doctor letting me know that something was very wrong with my bloodwork. After another round of bloodwork the ER doctor provided me the prognosis that I had leukemia, and that I would be transferred to Juravinski hospital in Hamilton right away. Everything happened so fast that I didn't have time to process what was happening. The amazing hematology team at Juravinski quickly conducted a bone marrow biopsy which confirmed my diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, and as quickly as I could begin to process everything I began an intense round of chemotherapy in order to kill the cancer in my bone marrow.

Fortunately, I endured chemotherapy like an absolute champion. Unfortunately, the intense chemotherapy caused a delay in my blood counts returning to normal. This lead to a delay in my second biopsy to confirm if remission was successful. After six weeks of prayers and patience, I was given the news that the chemotherapy was successful, and after 7 weeks I was cleared to finally go home on New Years Eve.

Though the chemotherapy was successful, I'm not out of the woods yet. I'm still anticipating a stem cell transplant and another four week stay in the hospital in late February if all goes as the hematology team has planned. The recovery process will be long and enduring. I will not be able to work and have gainful income for an extended amount of time. Though I have applied for ODSP, given the state of the economy it won't be nearly enough to cover all of my basic life expenses.

Throughout the entire time this has been going on, my mother has been my rock and the best caretaker I could ask for. She visited me every day, and brought me home cooked meals to provide me adequate nutrition so I could heal and recover. She has taken time off work and selflessly taken a reduction in pay to ensure she can care for me. This amazing woman doesn't deserve to have her pockets drained by the crazy costs of gas and hospital parking to do what she's doing, and all I want to do is ensure that both of us don't have the additional burden of financial stress on top of everything.

I've been reluctant to create this gofundme and publicize my condition, but I'd like to ensure financial security for myself and my amazing mother supporting and caring for me throughout this fight I'm facing. To anyone who is able to kindly donate to my fight against cancer, it is infinitely appreciated.