Hi everyone,

I never imagined I would have to write something like this, and even now it feels unreal.

On Christmas Eve, our lives were turned upside down. My brother Dylan, who is only 17 years old, experienced a medical emergency related to substance use and is now in critical condition in the PICU Sick Kids in Toronto. He was transferred from our local hospital, and he remains in a coma, fighting for his life.

Dylan has struggled with addiction for some time. This has been a difficult and heartbreaking journey for him and for our family, and one we have faced with love, worry, and hope for his recovery. He is more than his addiction, and this moment does not define who he is.

Nothing prepares you for walking into an PICU and seeing someone you love unconscious, surrounded by machines, not knowing when or if they will wake up. Dylan is just a kid. He has his whole life ahead of him. Watching him lie there while time feels frozen is the most heartbreaking thing our family has ever experienced.

Dylan has a loving mom, three sisters and one brother who love him more than words can describe. Our family is shattered, terrified, and holding onto hope with everything we have. We take each day minute by minute, praying for progress, for healing, and for the chance to hear his voice again.

Our family lives in Wasaga Beach, while Dylan’s care is in Toronto. This means long drives back and forth several times a week, often not knowing how long we’ll be there or what news we’ll receive that day. Doctors have told us that Dylan will likely remain hospitalized for months, and the reality of that has been overwhelming.

Between gas, parking, food, time away from work, and other unexpected expenses, the financial strain is growing quickly. While money is the last thing anyone wants to think about during a time like this, it has become an added weight during an already devastating situation.

Right now, our hearts are completely focused on Dylan. Being there for him sitting with him, talking to him, holding his hand, reminding him he is loved is everything. We don’t want finances to be the reason we can’t show up for him during the hardest fight of his life.

We created this GoFundMe to ask for help so our family can stay close and present while Dylan continues this battle. Any funds raised will go toward travel expenses, hospital parking, meals, accommodation if needed, and basic necessities that allow us to be there for him without the constant fear of how we’re going to afford it.

Dylan is so deeply loved. He is more than his struggles, more than this moment, and more than the circumstances that brought him here. He is a son, a brother, and someone who deserves compassion, care, and a real chance to heal. We believe in recovery. We believe in second chances. And we are holding onto hope with everything we have.

If you are able to donate, share this fundraiser, or keep Dylan and our family in your thoughts and prayers, please know how grateful we are. Every bit of kindness, support, and love means more than words can ever express.

Thank you for helping us through the most painful time of our lives.

With love and gratitude,

Chantel & family

update: donations are on pause right now until they confirm my ID but if you would still like donate message me & ill send u my e-transfer!