The MacLean Family in Sweden (Paul Janina & Lily)

In February we received the terrible news that Janina was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic Leukemia (PH+ALL). This is an aggressive and rare form of cancer, especially in adults, and Janina had to start intense chemotherapy treatment immediately at the hospital in Uppsala, Sweden. Since then, Paul has been splitting his time between looking after their 2-year-old daughter, Lily, and staying at the hospital with Janina. Thankfully, Lily has been surrounded by loving grandparents on both sides since the early stages of treatment. Paul’s parents (Dougald and Hughena) were able to fly in from Canada for six weeks, and Janina’s parents (Gerth and Marie Louise) regularly make the six-hour journey from their home in Jönköping, Sweden.

Treatment will go on for many months, and recovery is unpredictable. The fund will help this family get through this challenging time in their lives, and ensure that Paul and Janina continue to receive support in a city that is so far away from everyone.

We have received such kind and thoughtful messages of support from our family and friends, and we are extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and offerings of thoughts and prayers. Let’s all wish Janina the very best recovery.