Nova Scotia teen searching for bone marrow match dies

A Nova Scotia teenager who made headlines earlier this year while searching for a bone marrow match has died.

In January, Brayden Ross was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and began undergoing treatment at the IWK Children’s hospital in Halifax.

READ: Nova Scotia teen in search of bone marrow match

His girlfriend, Melissa Robertson, told Global News at the time that getting a bone marrow donor was Ross’s “only chance at beating” the disease.

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Despite efforts from friends and family Ross was not able to receive a match, Robertson said.

The pair started dating in the ninth grade and Robertson was by her boyfriend’s side, along with his family, at the hospital.

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Ross turned 18 on June 15 and passed away a month later.

According to his obituary, Ross passed away peacefully on Monday, July 16 at the QEII Hospital, with his loving parents, Mark and Marie, and his true love, Melissa, by his side.

Ross was a 2018 graduate of North Nova Education Center and had been a proud member of the North Nova Gryphons hockey and rugby teams.

“Brayden loved life and surrounded himself with good friends. He enjoyed spending time with his girlfriend Melissa, family and “the boys.” He especially enjoyed joking around with his younger brothers and the companionship of his dog, Maizie,” his obituary read.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Brayden loved life and surrounded himself with good friends. He enjoyed spending time with his girlfriend Melissa, family and "the boys." He especially enjoyed joking around with his younger brothers and the companionship of his dog, Maizie," his obituary read.

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It went on to say that over the past six months Brayden fought a difficult, yet valiant, battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

“His spirit and determination to get well were unwavering during this time. With each new challenge faced, he fought harder, encouraged by a wonderful, supportive community. Brayden was grateful and humbled by the love and support shown to him and his family throughout his illness.”

A funeral service for Brayden took place on Saturday in Kenzieville, N.S. Donations may be made in Brayden’s memory to the IWK Foundation.

To learn more about the Canadian Blood Services One Match program, visit the registration page.