This is my sweet nephew Olivander and my beautiful sister Tausha. Olivander is a charming, funny, loving, strong, energetic little boy. And his momma is a strong, passionate, hardworking woman who works two jobs, and works just as hard at home to provide a nurturing, caring, and growth encouraging environment.

On April 14th, a trip to the clinic turned into a trip to the er, that turned into a trip to London, that turned into a very long and scary journey, that’s only just begun. Oli started with unbearable pain, and a full bladder that he couldn’t empty. The clinic doctors wanted him to go to the ER to rule out appendicitis. At the hospital they did blood work, an x-ray, a ct, and various ultrasounds- one of which showed his bladder was holding 350 cc instead of the 200 it should. A catheter was put in, and bloodwork was normal. An hour later, they were told they were going to London via ambulance. In London, more blood work, another ct, another ultrasound, an X-ray, an mri, a pet scan, bone marrow, and a biopsy of the tumour found on his prostate. Doctors had their suspicions and gave what information they could while waiting for results. Then the day came and the results were in and Tausha could just tell it wasn’t news she wanted to hear. She noticed their subtle behaviour changes. And just like that their whole life changed. A mere ten days later, on April 24th, her baby boy.. her sweet, active, innocent little seven year old, was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma (a soft tissue cancer). Words no parent ever wants to hear. The fear and pain in those words.. the wishing as a parent, that it was you instead of them. On May 8th, Olivander got a chest port in, and like the hero he is, started calling himself Iron Man. And then on May 9th, a seven year old got his first round of chemo, and has been getting it weekly or daily since.

To fight by his side and care for him, my sister has taken leave from work. Olivander has a long road ahead. I am asking for help in supporting them on this journey. There is going to be lots of travel costs, food costs, bills that don’t go away when your child gets sick. Anything helps in this unthinkable situation. And from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your time and support.