Childhood cancer is the second leading cause of death among Canadian children, more than asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and AIDS – combined.
Kids are also more likely to develop leukemia which is why one Saskatoon family is asking that you join the fight against cancer by rolling up your sleeve.
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In 2011, Tegan Lyster was just two years old when she was sent to the emergency department where her family was given devastating news.
“You can’t believe your kid has cancer,” said Tegan’s mother Jenn, as she vividly remembered the moment and wiped away tears.
Jenn said it was at that exact second that the family of four had their world stopped.
“We know now that leukemia itself has a good prognosis but in those first moments, you’re scared.”
Tegan, the couple’s youngest daughter, had to have surgery, received chemotherapy and was given blood products immediately after being diagnosed.
“Her counts were so low, dangerously low, she could have bleed out, she wasn’t getting the proper oxygen to her blood,” said Jenn.
“So in those first 24 hours those blood products were life-saving for her.”
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Alexandra Foster, who is a mother herself, was donating blood for the first time at the Canadian Blood Services clinic Friday and said hearing Tegan’s story will inspire her to return.
“I think people have to look out for each other as human beings and it’s good to hear how real people are being helped,” said Foster
“I just think I want someone to be there for my son if he was sick.”
On average, it can take up to five blood donors to help a child undergoing cancer treatments. It can take up to eight donors a week to help a child with leukemia.
“There are many families and many children who are coping with cancer right now and receive blood and blood products as a result of what they’re going through,” said Jeff Martel, territory manager with Canadian Blood Services Saskatoon.
“It’s important for donors to remember that they’re donations and the time that they are giving in order to give life is very, very important for families in Saskatchewan and across the country.”
Between 2009-13, Tegan was one of 4,715 new cases of cancer in children under the age of 14 in Canada.
Today, Tegan is cancer free.
“It’s wonderful,” Jenn Lyster said.
The sad reality is the need for blood is never-ending. Some 7,000 donors give blood here in Saskatoon but officials say those numbers need to be in the neighbourhood of 11,000 to 12,000.
“Tegan herself had over 800 pokes throughout to all her treatments so if little kids can do it, just come and it’s just one needle and you really are giving life.”
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month across the country.
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