Team Autumn Jean #teamautumnjean

-During Autumn, to see A Rainbow, we must first deal with the rain at times! - #teamautumnjean

 

Please allow me to introduce you all to my wonderful little friend Autumn. Autumn is four years old, born on September 19th, 2017, to Mom (Sarah) and Dad (Jody). Autumn is a happy little lady, full of life, curiosity, and of course, a stubbornness you are almost forced to admire. Some of her favorite activities include laying in neatly laid piles of leaves while you attempt to clean the yard; listening to her favorite tunes while eating sugary snacks, bonding with her pal George; and, of course, who doesn't love looking fabulous!

 

 

 

 

Now that you know a little about Autumn, please let me introduce her wonderful family. In the first picture, we have Mommy (Sarah), Autumn and Stepdad Karl; in the second picture is Autumn's Daddy (Jody) and her stepmom (Rachel); finally, we have Autumn with her new sister Olivia.

 

 

 

Sadly, near the end of February, my friend Autumn, the little energetic spark plug, suddenly began showing signs of extreme fatigue. She struggled to stay awake despite 11+ hours every day and appeared to have labored breathing; however, as it is the flu/covid-19 season, the recommendation was a steady dose of nutritious food, sleep, plenty of water and quarantine. A few days later, Autumn's symptoms seemed to improve; however, it appeared that she had developed a limp while walking, almost as if she had injured her leg, yet Autumn did not appear to be in any discomfort, perhaps growing pains.

 

Several days later, Autumn's father noticed that she was once again exhausted, her limp had worsened, causing her to walk crooked, and she began complaining about pain in her legs. Autumn was immediately taken to the Markham-Stouffville Hospital. Once at the hospital, the physicians insisted on doing broader testing. One of the tests they completed was a complete chest x-ray.

 

Upon receiving the results, the Doctor explained that the x-ray had shown a lump half the size of Autumn's lung, sitting near her spine. This news was absoloutely devastating. However, there was hope. The family was informed that it was most likely an enlarged thymus and not to worry; however, they were referred to SickKids for further testing to confirm this diagnosis.

 

Autumn was transferred to SickKids Hospital in Toronto at approximately 1:00 am. Upon arrival at the hospital, Autumn was greeted by a team of at least five different doctors. She was checked in and transferred to the 8th floor, Ward 8A, the pediatric oncology ward. After several sleepless days and nights waiting on results, the results came back. The diagnosis: Stage 4 High-Risk Metastatic Neuroblastoma; their is a fist size tumour pressing between Autumns Spine and Lungs.  They have discovered Autumn has cancer in her lymph nodes, bone marrow her hips and most recently the skull area.   As with most stories I've heard regarding SickKids, the staff and physicians have been excellent. They have created a treatment plan for Autumn, including five rounds of chemotherapy, two rounds of high-dose chemotherapy (to be monitored at SickKids), radiation, surgery, and immunotherapy.

Please! Autumn and her family need your support now more than ever. Please donate; your act of kindness could help save little Autumn. All funds raised will help Autumn's family offset the cost of the next 18 months of treatment. This money will assist with missed wages, medical travel expenses, required medical apparatuses not covered by OHIP, medications, treatments, counseling, etc.

Meet Karl (Autumn's Stepdad)

https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/guelphites-volunteerism-celebrated-in-heartwarming-new-westjet-video-1339400