Ali's Final Tour of Duty

Catherine McKeown is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Michael Mckeown.

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Ali’s Army! It is time for our biggest push during this fight! As every soldier fights so hard to avoid defeat, our little soldier is entering his last battle. But, fear not, he and his family are far from feeling defeated and are prepared to fight like hell to show Cancer a thing or two about stealing their strength, spirit and hope - As stated so profoundly by Oliver Prince Smith,

“Retreat, hell! We’re not retreating. We’re just advancing in a different direction.”
U.S. Marine Four Star General and Decorated Combat Veteran,
Oliver Prince Smith

It is with a heavy heart that the time has come once again to seek support for my family. My sweet, strong nephew, Alex (Ali) McKeown, has been battling Leukemia for the past two years. Since being diagnosed just shy of his 7th Birthday, Alex has endured too many medical procedures to count including a Bone Marrow Transplant on October 24th, 2019. Although this was a successful transplant, Alex’s Cancer aggressively returned within months and he was deemed Palliative. Following this unbearable news, time has been spent focussing on “Making Memories” and, oh, what amazing memories they have been. To highlight a few, Alex received surprise rides in his dream sports car (a Lamborghini), he has been to Cuba to play in the ocean, he has spent an amazing summer at his favourite place in the world – his cottage on Bob’s Lake, and he has soared above the clouds in several plane and helicopter rides, surpassing his dream of flying. I truly believe it is because of these amazing experiences and the love and support Ali has received from so many that we saw him become a strong and healthy little boy for so many months – a miracle for which our family is truly grateful.

On October 24th, 2020, Ali was supposed to celebrate his “re-birthday,” marking one year since his Bone Marrow Transplant. Unfortunately, the week before this day, Ali showed decline in his health and ultimately had to be taken to hospital for assessment and treatment. On October 25th, 2020, one day after Alex’s re-birthday, his parents learned that he was beginning his final fight.

No parent should have to deal with the inevitable prospect of losing a child. The final weeks of providing as much love, support and comfort is extremely difficult emotionally, but the financial stress is also of great concern. Traveling to and from hospital for blood transfusions and symptom management is extremely difficult, yet necessary to provide Ali with quality of life.

Ultimately, the family needs to make final preparation plans for our little Alex, but how to do so emotionally and financially is overwhelming. As such, I am asking for your assistance to alleviate the burden that my brother and his family must face. Monies collected will be used to provide for Ali’s final flight (i.e. expenses to cover quality of life care for Alex and end of life expenses) as well as, to establish a memorial fund, so that he will continue to be a warrior championing for families impacted by the unimaginable challenges that childhood cancer creates.

Thank you so much for your love and support.