Supporting Austin's Leukemia Journey

As many of you have heard, heartbreakingly, Katie White and Adam McNab’s four-year-old son Austin was recently diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

 

For the past few weeks, Katie had a sense that something was wrong. One day Austin began complaining of collarbone pain. Thinking he may have fallen out of bed, Adam took him to the hospital where he was reassured that nothing was broken and Austin was given a sling. Days later, he tripped on a toy and was complaining of severe foot pain. He was again taken to the hospital, x-rays of both feet were taken, and they were reassured that nothing was broken. Katie became increasingly concerned when Austin’s demeanour changed. Their typically happy boy seemed sad, was in pain, clung to his mom, and showed no interest in playing with his friends. On Tuesday, Nov. 9th, Austin stopped walking. On Wednesday, bloodwork showed a high white blood cell count, low hemoglobin, and a low platelet count which indicated a much more serious problem. He was medevaced from Fort Smith to Yellowknife with his dad on Thursday, Nov. 11th. There was hope that his results might be due to an infection, but in Yellowknife, further tests indicated that he likely had Leukemia and on Friday he was medevaced to the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, AB, where they’ve been for the past week.


On Monday, Nov. 15th, Austin underwent a bone marrow biopsy which confirmed the diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). On Tuesday he had a lumbar puncture and a port was also placed which makes giving medications easier. He was given his first dose of chemotherapy during these procedures. Austin has since received two more doses of IV chemotherapy and will continue to undergo intensive treatment over the coming five weeks, but he will require ongoing treatment at the Stollery for the next 27 months.

 

Katie is from Sechelt, BC, and Adam from Ladysmith, BC, but they have called Fort Smith, NWT, home for the past 11 years where they have been raising Austin and his sister Zoey, and are actively involved in the community. Adam is the Director of Protective Services for the Town of Fort Smith and Katie is a Manager in Resource Management with the GNWT’s Department of Lands. From being foster parents to providing respite at the local group home, volunteering with the fire and ambulance service, designing and installing a natural playground for the community, or being president of the Fort Smith Daycare Society, these two give their all for other people and their community.

Needing to be 1,300km from home while your child receives cancer treatment over multiple years is expensive. The GNWT helps financially but it doesn’t come close to covering all expenses. The money will alleviate a lot of stress and allow them to set up a home base in Edmonton for at least the first year. Austin is immunocompromised and with the pandemic, it’s even more important that they have a safe and stable place to live. Living near the hospital is expensive and they both have their homes to maintain in Smith. Flights between Edmonton and Fort Smith are also very expensive (~$1500 round trip, per person.) These funds will allow for flights back and forth as needed when driving isn’t feasible. It will also supplement reduced income as they share Austin’s care in Edmonton.

 

Katie and Adam have done so much for other people and their communities throughout the years and they are two of the most selfless people I have ever met. Both of them have been through unimaginable tragedy in their lives and are very resilient people. They will get through this as they’ve gotten through so much else but let’s help these incredible people by reducing the financial burden during this overwhelming time. Please support Team Austin and check back to the GoFundMe for regular updates from Katie and Adam.

 

Let the countdown begin!

T-minus 27 months.