Ollie is an energetic, determined and loveable 13-year old who began developing a bump on his neck in summer 2019. In November 2019 he was diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma ALK Positive. After multiple relapses in his central nervous system, which caused him to go blind, he had a stem cell transplant in July 2020. He is now a long-term survivor with more than 5-years in remission. This blog shares updates on his wellness and his family's advocacy efforts.

The Brave Boy and Therapeutic Clowns at CHEO (plus Mario photobombing)
Thursday, 19 November 2020
One Year Reflection by Ollie
I got frustrated, mad and sad trying to do my schoolwork today that felt too hard. And then I cried a little and it was okay. The crying sometimes makes things feel better.
I loved getting new Beyblades this year. They helped me get through all of the needles and scary stuff. The hardest part of the past year was really needles and dressing changes.
I don't feel scared anymore when I have to go to CHEO. This is because I learned to take deep breaths and calm myself down when I get needles.
I'm okay with my blindness now. It made me feel scared and mad at first that I couldn't see. I just decided to accept that I'm going to be blind. I'm still the same even though I'm blind. So far there's not really anything I can't do.
I want to say thank you to everybody who got me through this. Thanks for all of your help and kindness. And thank you for all of the gifts.
Cancer's ass has been kicked (this is the one bad word my dad let me use this year)!
(Note from Dawn that this is a transcript of exactly what Ollie told me he wanted to say.)
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Ollie, you are awesome--cancer didn't stand a chance against you!!
ReplyDeleteOllie you are such a champion and our family is so inspired by your strength and tenacity!!
ReplyDeleteOllie you are such a champion and our family is so inspired by your strength and tenacity!!
ReplyDeleteOllie you are a true warrior. You are full of determination and strength.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs to you and you family.
Ollie you are a true inspiration and warrior. I hope that I have 1/2 the strength that you do! Your family is pretty awesome too! Take good care kiddo.
ReplyDelete