Congratulations Levi!

Exactly a year to the day before I was diagnosed with cancer, Levi (the son of my friends Ashley and Dave in Comox) was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Following his diagnosis in Victoria he was flown to the Vancouver Children's Hospital where he stayed for a month and underwent a barrage of tests. After that month he was able to return to Victoria where he received 6 months of horribly debilitating chemotherapy (his doctors told him the chemo was so strong that it would kill an adult!). At one point he was so weak he couldn't even walk. That spring he was moved onto a lower dose of chemo. For that he got IV meds once per month and took daily chemo pills for two and a half years. His progress was tracked with quarterly lumbar punctures that tested for the disease in his spinal fluid. But now, after more than three years of treatment Levi is FINISHED HIS CHEMO! While the side effects could take up to six months to subside he is looking at getting back into the normal life of a ten year-old. In fact it's been so long since he's been "normal" he says finishing chemo is a little anti-climatic.

The way that Levi has dealt with his disease speaks to his easy-going nature. He has also exhibited patience and positivity typical of someone much older and is an example of how adaptable youngsters are. He seems to have an innate ability to, all at once completely forget his disease yet be fully aware when his next appointment was and if he was getting an LP or not during that visit. This is an ability that I try constantly to copy in my own battle. I think it is this ability that allowed him to adapt so well to his "new normal" and function largely as a normal kid. He's been playing soccer, lacrosse and other sports and, while he does get tired occasionally, he still exudes the demeanour of a happy, healthy 10 year-old.

Sick or not, he is a pleasure to be around and the world is richer with him in it. Congratulations on your last round Levi. You are a great inspiration. And also hats off to Dave and Ashley, I can't imagine how hard this has been for you both.