WATCH (above): Thanks to the over $280,000 raised for his experimental cancer treatment, Delta teenage Kyle McConkey is set for a new round of treatment next month. Jennifer Palma reports.
After weeks of waiting for treatment and two years of fighting a rare form of leukemia, a Tsawwassen teen has lost his battle with the disease.
Kyle McConkey died today of a viral infection at 2:30 p.m. at Canuck Place.
The 18-year-old made headlines last year after more than $280,000 was raised so his family could afford a new type of treatment being tested at Seattle Children’s Hospital. The family says the donated funds will set up an account to assist other families affected by McConkey’s disease.
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While his medical team was hoping to begin the treatment in December, an infection kept him bedridden over Christmas. Then he developed a bout of graft-versus-host disease and his treatment date was pushed back to early March.
The South Delta Secondary grad managed to overcome two failed bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy, radiation treatments and months in the hospital.
McConkey was again preparing to head to Seattle for his treatment when he died of infection.
His mother, Jo-Anne, says the family is extremely grateful for the outpouring of help and support.
McConkey’s funeral will be held Friday, March 27 at 2 p.m. at the South Delta Baptist Church. Members of the public are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Michael Cuccione Foundation.
~ with files from Justin McElroy
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