In January 2025 Theo's mood, energy levels, and behaviour started changing. He was more run down, tired, irritable, to the point where his teachers got in touch with us to say that Theo wasn't acting like his usual self. We thought that maybe he had long COVID, from a bout of COVID we all had over the holidays. On February 19, we took him to see his family doctor, who then sent us right away for bloodwork and an emergency ultrasound at CHEO. Later that night we got a phone call from the head hematologist at CHEO, urging us to bring Theo to the ER right away. At midnight, we received the shattering, unimaginable news that Theo had leukemia.
Theo was diagnosed with high risk B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, and began treatment right away. He has endured numerous lumbar punctures, platelet and blood transfusions, rounds of multiple chemo drugs, steroids, hair loss, hundreds of blood tests, nausea, vomiting, social isolation, physical isolation, rage, grief, anxiety, pain, suffering, fear. Yet through it all he has shown such bravery and courage and strength, and he continues to shine through this hell. He loves music, and his love of drumming has helped him work through some of the feelings that have come up through all of this.
He still has three months to go in front line treatment, and then another 20 months of maintenance chemo, but we all just keep going. His brave warrior spirit never ceases to amaze us, and we are in awe of him every single day. He is stronger than cancer.
In August, Theo's dad wrote about our journey in Toronto Life magazine: https://torontolife.com/memoir/my-son-was-diagnosed-with-cancer-metallicas-toronto-concert-gave-him-something-to-fight-for/
We are hoping that Theo will be well enough to participate in this year's Light the Night event, which raises money to support leukemia patients, survivors, and their families. People just like us.
Light The Night is a special evening where communities across Canada come together to honour those we've lost, celebrate survivors, and show support for everyone affected by blood cancers. It's a time filled with remembrance, love, and hope?a reminder that no one goes through this alone.
Blood cancers are the fifth most common cancer in Canada, impacting over 155,000 Canadians, including our family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. I'm taking the first step to show my support, and I'd love for you to join me. Together, we can shine a light toward a future without blood cancers.
