Help Hailey Merrylees Fight Brain Cancer!

Hello, and thank you for visiting our GoFundMe page. We are raising funds to help Hailey Merrylees, a vibrant and strong 17-year-old, as she bravely battles brain cancer. If you can spare a moment, we would love to share Hailey’s story with you.

Hailey is a Grade 12 student at South Secondary School in London, Ontario, and has been passionate about dance since she was just 3 years old. She has spent countless hours training and performing at Absolute Dance in Kilworth, always lighting up the stage with her energy and smile. Her dream is to attend university and become a teacher, but right now, her focus is on beating cancer.

On October 18, 2024, her world changed when her parents, Damen and Ly, received a phone call that no parent is ever prepared for. After undergoing an MRI to investigate hormonal issues, the results revealed two brain tumors. They were instructed to bring Hailey immediately to the emergency department at the Children’s Hospital in London.

Following several weeks of hospital stays and numerous tests, Hailey underwent brain surgery to obtain biopsies of the tumors. Thankfully, the surgery went well, and two weeks later, the results came in—Hailey’s tumors were confirmed to be cancerous.

Her doctors developed a comprehensive treatment plan consisting of four months of chemotherapy, followed by three months of radiation. Hailey is now completing her third round of chemo, and we are incredibly grateful that the tumors are responding positively.

However, due to the nature of her cancer, Hailey requires a specialized form of radiation called Proton Beam Therapy, which is not currently available in Canada. To receive this critical treatment, Hailey and her family must travel to the University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville, Florida, in March 2025. While the radiation treatment itself will be covered by OHIP, the associated costs—such as travel, accommodations, meals, and lost income—are not totally covered.

Hailey’s mother, Ly has been off work to care for her throughout this journey and will continue to be by her side for the months ahead. The funds raised through this GoFundMe will help cover the significant costs of travel and living expenses in Florida, as well as support the family during this difficult time. Hailey’s younger brother Conrad who is 12 years old has also been very brave and supporting his sister through all of this.

Hailey is a fighter, full of courage, grace, and determination. She has inspired all of us with her strength and positivity, and we are determined to give her every possible chance to recover fully and live out her dreams.

Any contribution you can make is a part of a bigger picture and will go a long way in helping Hailey and her family focus on what matters most—her health and healing. Whether through a donation or by sharing this page, your support means the world to us.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of Hailey’s journey. Together, we can help her win this fight.

With love and gratitude,

Damen, Ly, Hailey and Conrad Merrylees

Bill and Karen Merrylees

JoAnne Quick-Heeney and Don Heeney

Muoi, Nga, and Mike Nguyen