Help Jamie get laser treatment for brain tumour
Jamie, 41, has a meningioma brain tumour that requires Proton laser treatment in the States. He has had two major brain surgeries in the last three years, and surgery is no longer an option. This life-saving treatment is not available in Canada. Jamie and his young family will need to be in Seattle for 6-8 weeks, and while the treatment itself will be covered by MSP, all other expenses will not.
Your donation will help pay for these crucial expenses: Accommodation in Seattle (they will book a room near the University of Washington Medical Centre); travel to and from Seattle; living expenses while they’re down there; and the rent they’ll still need to pay on their home here in Victoria while they’re away.
Above all, Jamie loves his family. And we love him. He has an endlessly positive attitude, despite some of the significant struggles he’s had. He is so grateful for the life he has, with a wonderful wife, a toddler, and a newborn. He is now facing a significant medical challenge, and we want to help in every way we can. We hope you can help, too.
About Jamie
When Jamie was just a toddler he was diagnosed with Leukemia. After gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, he beat the odds to make a full recovery. 
Jamie and his Gram at the time he had leukemia
In 2018, not long after Jamie and Naomi got married, Jamie's doctors discovered several tumours in his brain – a result of undergoing cancer treatment at such a young age.
Jamie and Naomi's wedding, 2018
Jamie had major surgery to remove a brain tumour that was growing in a dangerous spot. This surgery went well, and Jamie recovered to welcome he and Naomi’s first child, Sawyer, in Spring of 2019.
Jamie with family after his first brain surgery, 2018
2021
Earlier this year, Jamie’s doctors informed him that another meningioma was unexpectedly growing rapidly, and that they needed to operate urgently. The circumstances were extremely difficult: Naomi was pregnant with their second child, this meningioma was in a dangerous spot for surgery, and COVID meant that Jamie had to go through this surgery without family able to visit him.
Jamie after his second brain surgery, 2021
Doctors were not able to remove the whole tumour, due to its dangerous position in his brain. What’s more, Jamie woke up with paralysis on his right side. While physiotherapy and recovery have meant that this paralysis is mostly gone, doctors have told Jamie they need to shrink what remains of the tumour, which continues to grow. Further surgery is not an option. Proton laser therapy is the remaining treatment that can shrink the tumour, and the machine does not exist in Canada - this has to be done in Seattle.
What Jamie needs
The Proton laser treatment will last for 6-8 weeks, with treatment five days a week. What this means is that Jamie, Naomi, and the kids (baby Everett was born in April) will have to live in Seattle for up to two months.
Jamie has just this week returned to work from medical leave for recovery from his last surgery. He works at Canadian Tire, which he loves, and his workplace has been very supportive during this trying time. Naomi works in childcare, and is currently on maternity leave. Jamie is working hard to get as much income together as possible before they go, but they could be called for treatment as early as 2-3 weeks from now. Money is tight, and they need help paying for the expenses.
Jamie is a hard worker, and has shown incredible determination to conquer his illness. With a newborn and a toddler, this is all a lot to handle. We want to make this fight a little easier. Thank you. xo
Jamie, Naomi, and Sawyer
Jamie with Everett, born April 2021
Sawyer and Everett, May 2021