Support Nathan's Fight Against Cancer

As we approach the Holidays, we are always reminded of those less fortunate, and suddenly it reminds us of our friends and family that may be facing adversity and going through a tough time instead of celebrating what is supposed to be the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I want to share with you the story of my dear friend, Ann Craig’s son, Nathan Craig, and what he’s been going through, over the past year and a half, in hopes that you will join me in helping someone very special to me.

In May of 2022, at the young age of 24, Nate was diagnosed with Stage 3 testicular cancer. He underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tumour, endured 4 rounds of chemotherapy and a robotic surgery to remove cancerous lymph nodes. In March of 2023, to his relief he was told the surgeries and treatment were successful and that he would be monitored with routine blood work and scans for the next 10 years. Recurrence of testicular cancer only happens in 5% of cases and unfortunately, last month, after routine blood work, Nate received the dreaded news that his cancer had returned and had spread to the lymph nodes in his chest. On November 28th Nate began the first of two rounds of inpatient chemo treatments at Credit Valley Hospital. Once these treatments are complete, Nate will undergo a stem cell harvest, followed by 2 intense rounds of high dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplants at Princess Margaret Hospital. A large part of Nate’s treatment will be in-patient, as the treatment will weaken his immune system and his risk of infection will be very high. Once treatment is complete, it will take another 6 to 9 months for his immune system to recover.

As you can imagine, this is a very long and painful process which could take anywhere from 9 months to 1 year during which, Nate will not be able to work. These lost wages, along with transportation costs, prescription medication deductibles and other related costs, add to the unwelcomed stress this journey brings.

As a young man, who would ever expect to be dealt this hand, spending valuable years in your 20’s flighting cancer. As a parent, I can’t even imagine watching my son have to experience something so cruel, it’s so unfair. I am reaching out to ask for your support. I can’t think of a better way for Nate to see the kind of support our community can show him, that he’s not alone, and has so many people pulling for him that want to wish him well on his journey and alleviate as much stress as possible.

Thank you in advance for helping someone very special by contributing any amount at all to this GoFundMe …. It’s the time of year for giving and every bit helps!!