In October of 2014, Maggie and Bill Conway of Drayton received the devastating News that their two-year-old son Evan had leukemia.
On Nov. 24, 2016 after 25 months of in patient and out patient treatments at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton and Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, the Conways celebrated Evan’s last day of treatment.
“It was a very joyous day. Even the nurses were celebrating. The Kitchener firefighters came and joined in the celebration,” said Maggie Conway.
In the second year of his cancer journey, Evan received some of his treatments at Grand River Hospital. As the hospital does not usually have a lot of children finishing their treatments in Kitchener, the staff decided to do something special for the occasion.
Because of Evan’s interest in firefighters, the staff contacted the Kitchener Fire Department and planned a surprise for Evan.
On the day of his final treatment a large group of firefighters brought a fire truck, greeted the family and presented Evan with a gift. Evan, his brother Cody and sister Olivia were able to try on firefighter gear and the family took a ride around the block in the fire truck.
The celebration continued the following weekend, with extended family joining the Conways for a celebration meal at the Crossroads Restaurant in Elmira.
“It’s hard to believe that it was actually over. Evan is doing pretty well now,” Maggie said. “He catches viruses very easily and still takes medication at home.”
Evan has regularly scheduled appointments once a month at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Doctors check blood counts in order to ensure the leukemia does not return. The family has been told by specialists that there is less than a five per cent chance of the leukemia returning.
Since the completion of Evan’s treatments the family has taken a much-needed trip to Florida with the Help A Child Smile (HACS) organization in Welland.
Formed in 1987, HACS aims to bring joy to the lives of children with cancer. The organization began with one child with cancer wishing to go to Canada’s Wonderland soon after it opened. Family and friends created HACS after that trip.
Thirty years later, HACS assists over 1,100 families whose child is receiving or has received cancer treatments at McMaster Children’s Hospital. On average, 150 children are receiving treatments at any given time at McMaster.
The HACS board of directors remains dedicated to providing opportunities for these children to smile and have fun, for a couple of hours, a day or a week, officials say.
HACS is not a wish organization. Because cancer affects the entire family HACS provides family events year-round during each family’s entire journey.
Complimentary tickets to events throughout the year include: Disney on Ice, a fishing derby, Canada’s Wonderland, Marineland, Merrittville Speedway, African Lion Safari and a Toronto Blue Jays game.
Along with these events the organization provides televisions during hospital stays, and parking passes and phone cards for newly-diagnosed families who sometimes spend a month at the hospital.
Support is also provided by the Bravery Bead Program. One bead is given to the child each time they are given a needle, transfused or given chemotherapy. The beads are different shapes and colours and are specific to the test or procedure.
Some treatments like Evan’s are two years in length, with treatments once or twice a week. The beads help the child tell the story of their long journey with cancer.
A parking pass was used by the Conway family during their visits to McMaster Children’s Hospital.
The Conway family travelled to Florida in January 2017 with HACS. The trip included a round trip limousine ride to the Buffalo airport, rental car, seven days at Give Kids the World Village and attraction tickets to Disney World, Gatorland, Sea World and more.
The limousine ride and flight on an airplane was enjoyed by the family, although Evan was not particularly fond of the airplane’s decent.
“The resort was incredible and there was so much to do in the village itself. There was a heated pool, splash pad, rides, mini golf, horseback riding, daily activities and evening parties for the kids. The village is run mostly by volunteers,” Maggie said.
“We made some great memories and it was a wonderful way to celebrate the end of Evan’s treatments.”
Evan offered a thumbs up on the trip experience, stating, “It was awesome.”
The family is happy to be starting a new season in their lives, with Evan attending junior kindergarten at Drayton Heights Public School. Besides his interest in firefighters, Even enjoys being outdoors, camping, swimming and going to parks.
“We are grateful to Help A Child Smile for putting this trip together for us. They really did an incredible job and looked after every detail. Thank you once again to our wonderful community for being on this journey with us. Thank you for standing by our side,” Maggie said.
For information on Help A Child Smile or to make a donation to the organization call 905-385-4227 or email info@helpachildsmile.com.
