Fighting For Luke
Donation protected
Four year old Luke McLetchie has been diagnosed with severe Acquired Aplastic Anemia (AAA) which is a rare, life-threatening bone marrow disease. Only 2 children in one million are diagnosed each year in North America. His bone marrow is not producing red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets which puts him at risk for an overwhelming infection or hemorrhage. The best treatment for AAA is a bone marrow transplant however his brothers and parents are not a match. A world wide search for an unrelated bone marrow donor has been started. Meanwhile Luke is receiving blood transfusions and platelet infusions on a regular basis and will soon start treatment of immunosuppressant drugs at BC Children's Hospital.
Luke is a happy, active boy who loves playing and wrestling with his older brother Cole and his (fraternal) twin Dane. He enjoys biking, skating, skiing, running and soccer. Since his illness he cannot participate in these sports because of the danger of bleeding. He cannot go to his daycare or anywhere with lots of kids because of the risk of infection that he cannot fight with his low white blood cells. Fortunately he also likes drawing, painting, puzzles, books and Lego which are safe activities for him.
His mom, Jodee, is a single mom with shared custody of the three boys. She has had to take unpaid leave from her job to care for Luke at home and to take him to appointments at Children's Hospital. Employment Insurance does not cover housing and household costs for the family. The length of time that his treatments last depends on his response to immunosuppressant therapy and if a bone marrow donor can be found. It will be many months or longer. Luke needs his mom with him and she needs help financially to provide for him and his brothers. Luke's dad, Iain, is very involved in Luke's care however he is unable to provide financially for two households.
For those of you who know Jodee personally you can etransfer a donation directly to: [email redacted] as GoFundMe does take off an adminstrative fee for all donations.
To support Luke and other children you can give blood at your local blood bank. Also, consider signing up at the Bone Marrow Registry if you are between the ages of 17 and 35. Thank-you!
Luke is a happy, active boy who loves playing and wrestling with his older brother Cole and his (fraternal) twin Dane. He enjoys biking, skating, skiing, running and soccer. Since his illness he cannot participate in these sports because of the danger of bleeding. He cannot go to his daycare or anywhere with lots of kids because of the risk of infection that he cannot fight with his low white blood cells. Fortunately he also likes drawing, painting, puzzles, books and Lego which are safe activities for him.
His mom, Jodee, is a single mom with shared custody of the three boys. She has had to take unpaid leave from her job to care for Luke at home and to take him to appointments at Children's Hospital. Employment Insurance does not cover housing and household costs for the family. The length of time that his treatments last depends on his response to immunosuppressant therapy and if a bone marrow donor can be found. It will be many months or longer. Luke needs his mom with him and she needs help financially to provide for him and his brothers. Luke's dad, Iain, is very involved in Luke's care however he is unable to provide financially for two households.
For those of you who know Jodee personally you can etransfer a donation directly to: [email redacted] as GoFundMe does take off an adminstrative fee for all donations.
To support Luke and other children you can give blood at your local blood bank. Also, consider signing up at the Bone Marrow Registry if you are between the ages of 17 and 35. Thank-you!
Organizer and beneficiary
Debra Palin
Organizer
Williams Lake, BC
Jodee McLetchie
Beneficiary