Red Deer’s Lewis Cano is like any other six-year-old, who wants to play with his friends and go to school.
But since August, when he was diagnosed with leukemia, the young boy has been scared, angry and sometimes feels isolated.
Since his diagnosis, Cano has been on chemotherapy and has little to no immune system to fight the common flu and infections.
He’s attended his Grade 1 class at Berry Wilson Elementary just once this school year.
“He’s sick, he’s unhappy, he’s scared, he’s mad,” said his mother, Pamela.
“My poor guy, he’s missing out on the last couple years of being a little boy and has been forced to grow up really fast, missing school, and not being able to play with his friends.
“And when we’re in isolation (to protect him from infections) we can’t have anyone at the house or go anywhere.”
The family is looking at a three-year-long treatment for the boy, who has yet to achieve remission, and is looking for financial support.
Pamela said since he was diagnosed, she has been off work indefinitely to take care of him and her employment insurance runs out in January.
Cano’s stepfather, Jeff Talbot, is looking for work after losing his job about three weeks after the diagnosis. With the economy, it’s been hard to find work.
There’s an online fundraiser to help the family with a goal of $10,000. As of Monday morning, the GoFundMe page had raised $3,915.
The money is to help the six-year-old, said his mother, especially as the family travels back and forth to a Calgary hospital for regular treatment.
The central Alberta community is rallying for the boy. His former teacher, Kim Baile, and her class recently sold candygrams and raised about $832.
His mother is appreciative of the support.
“The support has been unbelievable and it’s so helpful.”
Baile, who is the organizer of the online fundraiser, says she was fortunate to teach Lewis in kindergarten last year.
“He’s the kindest little boy, a wonderful friend to his classmates and a joy to teach.”
Those looking to support the family can find the Team Lewis Cano fundraiser on GoFundMe.
mamta.lulla@reddeeradvocate.com
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