Together we fight cancer with 8yr old James

For the past 3 years, the Lipowy family has been living through that dreaded scenario that many of us have thought about and counted our blessings that it is not happening to us. A young child is battling through multiple rounds of cancer, and a family living in hospitals fighting for the best chance for their boy.

In January 2021, at age 5, young James was first diagnosed with bone cancer in his leg and underwent a long journey of chemo, hospital stays, and sickness. When James was 6 years old, he underwent surgery (rotationplasty) to amputate his leg, which allowed the removal of the cancerous section. Since James was young, this procedure would offer him the best chance to have the most mobility as he continued to grow. The surgery was a success and James now has a prosthetic below the knee. James could now pursue his love of hockey and participate in the normality of being a kid.

This summer, the Lipowy family's worst nightmare hit for the 2nd time. At age 7, a screening revealed that cancer had returned and had now migrated to James’s one lung. There was concern with how quickly the cancer had spread and grown because it meant that all the rounds of chemo he went through didn’t work to kill the cancer cells in his body. A rushed, minimally invasive surgery was conducted to remove the cancerous cells with the hope to have caught it in time, as it was the only option.

Only 8 weeks after the removal of the two spots on the lung, 4 new spots have appeared on the same lung and are spreading quickly. Further surgery will be much more invasive and riskier, with lung removal potentially the only option. Surgery is not the best path at this time as the cancer is close to James’s throat and heart. As cancer spreads to vital organs, James’s battle is becoming life-threatening. The Lipowys are now in need of significant support.

Things had seemed manageable with each setback looking to have an endpoint in sight. With this latest news, there is a realization that more drastic and severe measures will need to be taken as this battle escalates.

As the Lipowy family explores all options for treatment for James, they will need help with the ability to access funds and react quickly to opportunities as they arise. If they may need to pursue options in the United States or elsewhere, the costs will be astronomical and escalate quickly. As James' cancer continues to be aggressive, time is not a luxury they can afford. Hopefully, James’s treatment plan can be resolved in Canada, but whatever occurs, James will require various supports throughout his life.

Jacquie, James’s mother, has been on leave from her teaching career in Calgary as her days are filled with supporting her son through the many surgeries, dealing with chemo treatments, and encouraging the healing process. Ryan, James’s father, has been working throughout this timeframe and has been juggling his attention and focus between the two lives he is forced to live. James also has a younger sister who has greatly supported him through this time.

Please support this family facing this continued UNFAIR onslaught of this disease and give them every opportunity to find treatment for James. If you cannot provide support financially, sharing this post to spread the word would be appreciated.

Update Nov 4th, 2022

James is two weeks into a month-long treatment cycle, which is an attempt to reduce the size of the cancer and allow for it to be operable. During the initial week of the treatment, James was feeling weak and ill; however, the second week had him rebounding thus being more active and in good spirits. Each day brings various challenges; however, with James feeling better, we are hopeful that the treatment is working.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has been working with the Lipowy family. With great determination and teamwork, they were able to grant James his Make-A-Wish wish on November 4th, just over a week and half of their request! As travel is not an option at this time, James had indicated that he would like to have a treehouse; a special place for him and his sister to hang out. The Make-A-Wish foundation was able to find a “He-Shed” that was promptly delivered to the Lipowy’s residence. They successfully granted James’s wish. It is truly a sight a site to see. Please see some pictures below.

In their ongoing search for the best outcome, the Lipowy’s have been reaching out to experts from all over and getting second opinions from US medical experts. Information gained from these consultations has led to the notion that undergoing radiation and/or chemo treatment in conjunction with the current treatment could result in a better outcome. Adding these treatments would be hard on James, but, if it can lead to a better chance of success it will be worth it.

The Lipowy family would like to express their gratitude and thankfulness. They are truly amazed and humbled as the support for James continues to grow. Words cannot express how much your generosity is appreciated. To date your support has allowed them to access additional consultations, in the hope that they can provide the best possible care for James.

Thanks again, and we will update further as things progress.

NOTE: When you donate, the note might indicate that you are donating to Mike Provost. Please know that this is not the case, all funds raised through this GoFundMe go directly to the Lipowy family.  

To clarify who the organizer is: I am Ryan Lipowy's long time (20 years or so) close friend. I have put this post together with the help of other friends of the Lipowy family who are familiar with the families struggle.  The Lipowy family knows we have posted a GoFundMe on their behalf.