Support Brendon’s Journey with Aplastic Anemia

Co-organized

Tiffany Glass and Lisa Stade are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Maria Thiessen.

Donation protected

Hello, we are reaching out on behalf of the Thiessen family (Pete & Maria) and their brave 8-year-old son, Brendon, who is facing Aplastic Anemia, a rare and life-threatening blood disorder. We are so thankful they have given us their blessing to launch this GoFundMe.

Brendon

Brendon is an energetic boy with a bubbly personality and a tendency to make those around him smile. He’s a no-filter kind of kid that will inevitably have the nurses laughing at any hospital visit. Qualities as such have been part of him since he was little, just as he has always been interested in nature and wildlife. Brendon enjoys hiking, hunting, and camping with his Mom, Dad, three sisters (Emily, Trina & Margaret), and his dog, Boston. They are a wonderful close-knit family and this devastating diagnosis in March of 2024 has turned their world upside down.

What is Aplastic Anemia?

Aplastic Anemia occurs when the bone marrow no longer produces enough new blood cells to keep him healthy, leaving Brendon vulnerable to infections, extreme fatigue, and uncontrolled bleeding. Over the last 7 months he’s had numerous hospital stays, endless medications, and blood transfusions 2x per week at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, AB (1.5hrs away from their home in Blackfalds, AB).

On October 31st, Brendon will be admitted to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary, AB where he will begin an intensive round of chemo and radiation to prepare his body for the next critical step – a bone marrow transplant scheduled for November 8th. The transplant is the best hope to give him a chance at a healthy & vibrant life. The gratitude to his unknown donor is immeasurable.

Financial Burden

The financial burden over the past 7 months has already been overwhelming for the Thiessen family between hospital stays/visits in another city, medication expenses, and time off work while also caring for the rest of their family. Furthermore, Aplastic Anemia isn’t considered a “Cancer”, and any Cancer-related funding resources aren’t applicable to Brendon’s condition (even though many of the treatments are the same). The upcoming expenses are more than any family can manage alone.

That’s why we are asking for your help.

We are raising funds to cover:

Accommodations: Sadly, the Ronald McDonald House is closed for renovations at the time Brendon will be in Calgary. Instead of a $10/day stay at the RMH, they were provided with a $3500/month estimate for a hotel within the required proximity to the hospital. Brendon will be discharged after 30 days, but him and his family are required to stay within that safe proximity for an additional 70 days.
Travel: During these 100 days, Pete & Maria will need to travel to and from Blackfalds (3hr+ round-trip) on a regular basis (approximately 2-3x a week) to tend to business/work and other family matters. With the cost of fuel, this will add up quickly.
Medical Supplies: Once Brendon is discharged from the hospital, he will need dressing changes, line flushes, etc. Unfortunately, this is not covered, and these medical supplies are expected to average $200-$300/month.
Post-Transplant Medications: The average cost of required medications post-transplant (not covered by AB Health) is $60,000-$90,000 for the first year. It is unknown at this time which drugs Brendon will require, and any possible insurance coverage is TBD, but it is not expected to be much.
Food: They were provided with an estimate of $45/day (each) for food during the 30-day hospital stay. For the 70 days following his discharge, Pete & Maria will have to purchase groceries that abide to Brendon’s new “clean” diet.

Every little bit helps, and even the smallest donation can make a world of difference and alleviate some of the financial pressure on the family. If you can’t donate, we completely understand, but please consider sharing this page with others who may be able to help.

Thank you for standing with Brendon and his family as he’s given the chance to live the happy, healthy childhood every child deserves. Please check back for updates on Brendon's journey as we continue to share his progress and milestones!

With gratitude on behalf of the Thiessen Family,

The Glass & Stade Family’s

With gratitude from the Thiessen’s,

May the Lord bless all of you for your generosity. Thank you. And a very special thank you to Brendon’s bone marrow donor, who without, this life-saving treatment wouldn’t be possible.

**If you would prefer to contribute directly to the family, please contact the Organizer and we will provide their private contact information**