Willa Strong

Willa is our beautiful niece and she is 2 years old. Willa is this amazingly strong, brave and sweet little girl. She is feisty and won't take no for an answer kinda girl and most importantly she is a fighter! Willa had been having neck pain for about 8 weeks. She'd seen her family doctor, been to 8 chiropractor appointments, 2 naturopath visits and 3 trips to emergency. The last trip was to their Family Dr. who sent Andrea back to the Stollery with a letter that got her right into emergency. This led to the blood work where they found her white blood cell count to be high, Andrea just knew something was not right. The MRI was booked for the next morning. April 26, 2017 is when Willa and her parents Mike and Andrea Tomchuk's world was ripped apart. Willa was diagnosed with a Brain Tumour. The majority of the tumour is on the left side of the brain stem. Willa underwent brain surgery a mere 48 hours after receiving this devastating news. Only a small amount was taken during surgery simply because of where the tumor is located and what it's wrapped around. A week later, the pathology results came back and the diagnosis a High Grade Anaplastic Ependymoma. There are few options with this Tumour other than to take it out which cannot be done because it is wrapped around her brain stem and crucial vessels. The doctors are suggesting that she go into a clinical trial that involves Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy over about 4 months (could be longer depending on setbacks) and the hope is that the tumour shrinks from this therapy. Perhaps another surgery may be needed down the road. Its going to be a difficult, arduous journey but they are prepared to do whatever it takes.No one can explain a parent's anguish in the hearing the words that their child has a brain tumor. No one can comprehend or understand it especially when that child is two and a half years old. It literally brings you to your knees. What Mike and Andrea are going through right now is a parents absolute worst nightmare.We are asking for donations to help alleviate some of the financial stress that Mike and Andrea will endure as they have a very long journey ahead of them. We appreciate the immense love and support our family has received and we continue to be brave and strong for Willa as this is something she has taught us! We will never give up hope. We love you Willa baby#willastrong