Weston & Bennett's Twincredible Leukemia Battle

My name is Rachael Fortier (Alisha's sister), and I've started this gofundme to support the Openshaw family while their identical twin 3-year-old boys, Weston and Bennett, battle leukemia.

Alisha and Mike have three boys, Jackson (8 years old) and Weston and Bennett (3 years old).

On April 13th, 2022 one of their twins, Weston was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.) This news turned their world upside down. While Alisha (part-time paramedic) was unable to work to remain at Weston's side, Mike returned to his job after a few days to ensure some financial income for the family. Once Weston began his treatments as an outpatient, they were required to commute from their home in Langley to BC Children's Hospital 1-3 times a week. Since then, he has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, bone marrow biopsies, blood and platelet transfusions and endless amounts of medications to help his little body fight off the cancer that had taken over.

At the time of Weston's diagnosis, Alisha and Mike were told that because Bennett is his identical twin and they share the same DNA, there was a 20% chance that he too may also develop leukemia. Therefore, he would need to be monitored and tested regularly for the rest of his life.

Merely four months later, on August 15th, 2022 the incomprehensible circumstance happened, and Bennett was also diagnosed with the same Leukemia. Once again, their world turned upside down, and the unfathomable reality hit that Mike and Alisha would now have to support and adjust to having two children battling leukemia at the same time.

With the unpredictable nature of this illness, there is no clear path for either of the boys. And although everyone remains hopeful, they recognize the boys will be undergoing treatments that may last years. They currently have an excellent team of doctors, nurses and specialists working with them at BC Children's Hospital (BCCH). They have even had new protocols created at the hospital to deal with having identical twins being treated simultaneously.

Despite the constant medical procedures and chemotherapy their bodies are undergoing, the boys remain their happy goofy little selves, love Mickey Mouse, playing with their older brother and cuddling with their grandma (aka nana).

The Openshaws, now with only one income, two children to support with leukemia, and caring for their older child Jackson, we need to step in and help support this incredible family.

The money raised will go directly to the Openshaw family to help with out-of-pocket medical expenses, in-home medical care, gas for their endless commutes from Langley to BCCH, additional childcare for their older son and help with day-to-day activities and tasks. This will allow Alisha and Mike to focus all their energy and time on supporting their twins in their battle and ensuring their oldest son is supported throughout this journey as well.

The Openshaws are incredibly thankful for the love and support they received after Weston's diagnosis, but now they need it again. So let's show them double the support now after Bennett's diagnosis and this new challenge to navigate with two sick children.

I would also like to encourage everyone eligible to donate blood and platelets and register as a stem cell donor so that you could save a life like Weston and Bennetts. If you are in Canada, you can find more info about blood donation at: https://www.blood.ca/en

Any donation amount, sharing this link and words of encouragement are all greatly appreciated.

Lots of love,

Rachael Fortier (Aunty Ray-ray)