My name is Cheryl Richardson and I am fundraising on behalf of my grandson Oakden to raise funds for proton radiation therapy in Seattle Washington. 

In  March Oakden was diagnosed at BC Childrens hospital with a fast growing benign tumour known as Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma , a tumor that grows behind the nose. Although it is a benign tumor (not cancerous), this one is aggressive and serious. It has spread from the nasal cavity to the sinuses, optic nerves,  base of the skull and lower brain. This is a tumour that typically occurs in teenage boys. Unfortunately, the type of tumour also means that Oaks will have to be closely monitored for many years ahead as this type or other types could begin growing in the future at anytime.

 He had a team of many specialized doctors on his case taking about 3 weeks to map out the best way to tackle his tumour.  

 On May 3rd Oak’s had a procedure called embolization. It was a 7 hour procedure Fully sedated. Once the procedure was done they did not want to risk removing the intubation tubes because surgery to debulk the tumour was in 2 days. They did not want to risk not being able to the intubation tubes back in due to swelling. This was probably best so he didn’t have to experience the pain or trauma of the embolization. 

 On May 5th Oakden had his surgery to removed part of the tumour that wasn't close to the brain or optic nerves. This surgery was just over 10 hours. He was kept sleeping until the doctors were confident that the swelling in his throat had subsided and they could safely remove his intubation. May 9th they finally woke him up and removed the intubation tubes. Movement, balance and speech have been effected due to the time sedated and the damage the tumour left. He now has a nasogastric feeding tube which will remain in place for the immediate future. The tumour did damage to his jaw muscles which now makes eating/ swallowing difficult. 

Oakden celebrated his 6th birthday with a day pass May 18th to go out and celebrate with his parents and brother. BC Children’s Hospital, which is approximately 20-30 minutes from home, does not have the facilities to proceed with the next part of Oakden’s treatment. 

 The tumour is believed to be spreading into the other side of his skull towards the left optic nerve. He will have to go to Children's Hospital in Seattle for Proton Radiation Treatment in early June, much sooner than what was originally anticipated. This facility is approximately 4 hours away. 

The procedure itself is covered by BC medical but the treatment is a daily procedure for 4-8 weeks in Seattle, where they will have to live for this time.  Sarah will hopefully be staying with the boys at a Ronald McDonald house in Seattle, but Darren will have to stay in Ladner, B.C. to work and will commute to be with his family as much as he can. 

With the cost of gas sky rocketing and the added expenses and hospital visits and stays they could use some help. 

Please, if you are able to help this family it would truly be appreciated.