Help the Clarks - paediatric cancer

Hi, my name is Alyssa and I am fundraising for my sister and her family.

2022 has started in the most unimaginable way for our family. Little Mason, 6, has been diagnosed with cancer.

There have been no serious symptoms that presented - mother’s intuition in both my sister and her doctor is what brought this nightmare to come to light. For about 2-3 nights in a row, Mason would wake up with a tummy ache. He had a low grade fever, but with recently being around people who had tested positive for Covid, it was assumed he might be fighting it off and they were waiting for tests. On Wednesday, January 5, my sister called the doctor.

The doctor didn’t have much to go on, but suggested my sister bring Mason to the local hospital’s paediatric wing. This was at 9am. By 10am they were at the hospital, and at 2pm were told the horrible news. Mason has a large tumour growing either on, or in, his kidney. It is about 15-16cm (around 6 inches) in length. On his tiny body, it is quite large.

They were told to go to BC Children’s Hospital, and due to the size of the mass, that an ambulance would be the best way. After 5 hours of waiting and an incoming snowstorm though, my sister and her husband decided to drive Mason themselves. They were admitted into a room around 1am and have been there since.

The tumour is likely a Wilm’s Tumour, but will not be confirmed until after surgery. Until surgery, we won’t know what stage the cancer is, or the timeline for treatment. As the tumour is soft, a biopsy could disrupt the cells. As such, surgery to remove it, and possibly the kidney, will be required as soon as possible. Surgery is tentative for Tuesday, but not confirmed as of yet.

There is no ETA on leaving the hospital at this moment. The shortest possible timeline would be one more week. The drive each way is 2 hours, and with gas at $1.75/litre, this is not a cheap endeavour.

My sister is also a self-employed house cleaner. Normally her schedule is full and booked far in advance, but she has had to postpone her clients until the summer at the earliest. With Covid numbers surging, she can’t risk going into other people’s homes while he is receiving treatment. Her husband works for a family business, and does qualify for EI, but that will be a substantial cut to their household income. Right now he’s able to use his holiday time, but that will run out shortly.

Our mom has been able to use her vacation time to stay home with Mason’s siblings. We are also so thankful that Children’s has allowed Dominic and Emily to visit. Hopefully Tyla is able to visit soon as well.

If you are able to at all, my sister and her husband would be so thankful for any financial help. This will help them pay for the gas costs, time off work, if any medications are not covered, and delivered food/groceries. If you would prefer to send e-gift cards, those are also appreciated. And even if you are unable to donate financially, any and all positive thoughts and prayers are welcome.