You can never ever prepare yourself as a parent, or anyone for that matter, for receiving the news that your child has cancer or any serious illness. It hits you like a ton of bricks that you never saw coming and then in seconds your family life changes. The worry, the stress, the wondering, the heartbreak, the feeling of lack of control, the financial burdens, all sets in but you just power through the events minute by minute until the daily/weekly hospital visits and course of treatment becomes your new normal.

 

Our son Jonathan (aka: JT), was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma Stage 3 on February 5, 2018 and is treated at Sick Kids in Toronto. Thankfully some of his treatments can be done locally at Grand River hospital now. JT’s treatment protocol is for 2.5 years so he still has a long road ahead of him with chemotherapy consisting of many pokes, injections, lumbar punctures, various medications and many hospital visits but we are constantly reassured by the doctors for a positive outcome. Unfortunately, JT’s journey won’t be easy with the many ups and downs he experiences from the side effects of chemo. It’s heartbreaking to watch a child or anyone, have to go through all that.

 

With the amazing support of organizations like Ryan Saturno Patient Amenities Fund, it truly helps families get through the tough time and helps relieve some of the pressures that are faced. We are grateful for all the support, care and generosity. With Strength, Courage, and Hope - Together we can get through it and lives can be changed.

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- The Kukla Family