Here we are year four as part of the blood cancer community and participating in Light the Night (LTN) with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). Although we have unfortunately been part of this community for some time now, this new way of life does not get easier. It feels as though it is becoming increasingly harder to put pen to paper (or fingers to keys) and update the supporters of Team Xav. Blood cancers and the need for support, research, and hope does not end with the transplant process; more support, research, and hope are needed in the years after to help those affected deal with life altering side effects.
As some may know, in October 2022 shortly after the Light the Night event, Xav was admitted to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PMCC) for five weeks. It was another birthday celebrated as an inpatient; separated from family and friends, feeling the increasingly sting of the Covid-19 pandemic with strong visitor restrictions. While hard, we know the restrictions are needed to help save the lives of the severely immunocompromised patient population. With research from the LLSC, we were able to access lifesaving interventions at the PMCC. This was a hard hospital stay. I can still remember every word from some of the most difficult conversations we have had since diagnosis. As a mother, these were conversations I wanted to shield from my son, but with Xav being Xav, he wanted to protect me and showed more bravery than anyone should have to. Someone was always at the hospital, either in the room, or sitting in the lobby just wanting to be close by. The support from our family and friends was so appreciated and unexpected. From every phone call and text to quiet conversations, hugs, and sharing tears in the lobby, and coffee and meals dropped off; we cannot thank you enough, the kindness and support will never be forgotten.
Xav continues to push through, but after four long years, it becomes difficult to continue to talk about hope, but hope continues to fuel our passion for supporting the LLSC. For our family, and the thousands of others like ours, the LTN gives us hope that new treatments continue to be developed. We continue to hope that new treatments continue to extend life, but also improve quality of life; hope towards a future where we continue to celebrate and value every day.
I speak on behalf of mothers and families when I say thank you for your monetary donations, blood donations, prayers, and every share on social media. Every conversation we have, and every donation brings us one step closer to improving the lives of those living with a blood cancer, honouring those we have lost, and extending the lives of those who have been affected by this horrible disease. Thank you again for walking this journey with Team Xav. We cannot thank you enough for your support.
Your support means more than you will ever know,
Ginetta and Team Xav
Thank you to the following for donating raffle prizes:
- Hockey Hall of Fame Four Passes value of $100
- Kroma Salon Blow Out Package (King City & Schomberg)
- Skin Improvement Medi Spa & Laser Clinic Gift Basket & Gift Certificate (Vaughan & Schomberg)
- Toronto Maple Leaf Game TBD Two Tickets Section 119 Center Ice (Donated by Families of Team Xav)
- Chotto Matte 161 Bay St, Toronto: Two Chef Experiences, bookable Sunday through Thursday, valued at $320
- Starbucks Gift Card $25 (Donated by Team Xav)
