Ian's Recovery Journey

On August 18, Kristin and Ira Michaud heard the word from their family doctor that no parent ever wants to hear: cancer. Their intelligent, caring, and thoughtful son, Ian, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare cancer impacting only six children in Maine each year. The last couple of weeks have been a blur of medical tests, doctor's visits, and sleepless nights wondering what their lives will be like as they help Ian recover. Ian is in great hands and will start his treatment plan as soon as Tuesday, September 6, which begins with ten weeks of chemotherapy, followed by surgery to remove the tumor, then more chemotherapy. The entire process is expected to take 8-9 months.

The Michaud family, including Ian's siblings, Sofia and Evelyn, are known and loved by many communities. Ira and Kristin have worked in Pittston, Gardiner, Benton, South Gardiner, Great Salt Bay, Edgecomb, South Bristol, Nobleboro, and Vassalboro schools. They are active members of Damariscotta Baptist Church. All three kids are often seen on stage in local YMCA youth theater productions. Ira volunteers with the local Scouts where Ian is a dedicated and enthusiastic member. There are few people in the Midcoast and surrounding communities that this family hasn't impacted in some way.

There are still many unknowns, but one of the biggest is how the Michauds will cope financially with all of the curve balls that a cancer diagnosis throws at a family. We want to help alleviate some of that worry so they can focus their energies on Ian. Because it is so hard to ask for help, especially when you are accustomed to being the ones to give it as the Michauds are, we are reaching out to all of you on their behalf to ask for your financial support.

There are few boys in the world as considerate and kind as Ian. Thank you for anything you can give him and his family, including thoughts and prayers. If you are interested in hearing more about Ian's Journey, you can visit his Facebook page: Ian's Journey.

With gratitude,

Amanda Swanberg, Rosie Davis, Debra Lomas, and Jenn Caron