Sunday, January 27, 2008

Fundraiser for Caitlin

What does a 4 year old do to deserve cancer?

That’s what the people around little Caitlin Hutson have been asking.

Just after Christmas, while others her age were playing with all the neat stuff Santa brought, normally bubbly Caitlin was undergoing a battery of tests at McMaster’s Children’s Hospital in Hamilton.

The diagnosis is Nephroblastoma, or Wilms tumour, a rare form of cancer of the kidney’s affecting mostly children under eight. The cancer had already consumed one kidney and was attacking a nearby artery. Early in January, Doctors removed the affected kidney, but couldn’t get the cancer on the artery. That will have to be treated with Radiation and Chemotherapy. Caitlin has been fitted with a port to inject the drugs through, and a body cast so the rambunctious four year old won’t wiggle during radiation.

An experimental treatment is proposed which costs $1600 and OHIP may not cover it.

They are thinking about it.

They’ll get back to us.

And now family and friends step up. People have taken extra shifts for her parents so they can be with her. A fundraiser has been put together; hall, entertainment, prizes all donated. At least one Uncle will shave his head at the event to raise money for her treatment. The event will be held on Sunday, February 17th at South Brant Legion, Branch 463, 72 King St. North, Oakland from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Adults $10, children 12 and under $5. Donations of cash or prizes may be sent to 34 Kitchener Ave., Brantford ON N3S 1A4

Caitlin had to use the bathroom the other day, and when she was lifted up to be carried, she defiantly said “No, I can do it myself!”

It’s that kind of spirit that we could all use.

DJW

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Your so right to count our blessings. We get so occupied with our own lives events that we don't stop to think of the others that are less fortunate.