How to help children with cancer who can’t afford to go to the hospital
The family of a 13-year-old boy with leukemia who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2014 will be able to donate blood to help the boy get through his treatment.
The boy, who goes by the name Tyler, had been receiving chemotherapy at a family home for cancer patients when he started suffering from fatigue and loss of appetite.
The family, who is not named in the story, has been unable to afford to travel to Toronto for Tyler’s treatments, so they contacted the Liberty Hospital System to see if they could make the connection between Tyler’s illness and the family’s situation.
The Liberty System, which is based in Richmond, Ont., says the family has had a long history of donations and is grateful for the support from all the community that helped them through Tyler’s treatment.
Liberty’s director of health and wellness, Susan Beaudry, said in a news release the family is extremely grateful for all the support they’ve received.
“This family is the exception, not the rule,” Beaudrry said.
“The average family that has a child with cancer can’t go to a hospital, and for them to donate to the community to support their loved one is very important.”
Tyler and his parents, Jason and Emily, are currently undergoing chemotherapy at the hospital, but have been given the option of going to another hospital to continue treatment.
Tyler’s condition has not improved, and Beauds statement said his doctors believe he could live another four to six weeks.
The boy will need additional surgery in the near future, and he could need more time to recover, she said.
In order to donate, Tyler’s family must be able the $1,500 needed for treatment and the donation must be in the form of blood.
The family also must have insurance and have at least one sibling who is under the age of 18.
Tyler is currently receiving treatment at a home for children with leukemia.
(Courtesy Liberty Hospital system)The Liberty Hospital has been offering free blood drives in honour of Tyler since 2014.
Liberty Health’s donation drive started last year, and the hospital is currently offering a $1 donation drive for children under the ages of 13.
Tyler will need to pay the hospital $1 per blood sample, and be at least 18 years old.
“I can’t imagine my family’s life without Tyler, and we hope that the Liberty Health community can help us in any way that they can,” Emily Beaudries said in the news release.
The family’s donation is a great way to show support for a young child in need, Beaudris said.