15-month-old Max Weber has just been diagnosed with bladder cancer
(embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma). His parents, Lauren and Dan, noticed blood
in Max’s urine and took him to the emergency room in Kitchener. After a
blood and urine test did not reveal any explanation, an ultrasound was
performed. This ultrasound revealed a mass in Max’s bladder, and they
were immediately sent to McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton for
additional testing.
After additional testing and scans, the team at McMaster let Lauren and Dan know that there was cause for concern.
A cystoscopy and biopsy were scheduled for the following week. The
results confirmed that the mass was malignant, and Max was diagnosed
with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Rhabdomyosarcomas are rare,
representing only 3 to 4% of pediatric cancers overall, and are rarely
located in the bladder.
Lauren and Dan have been heartbroken by this news: Max is the light
of their life. At only 15 months, Max already goes out of his way to
make others smile. He loves to bring everyone in the room a toy and
gives out lots of hugs and kisses. Right now, his favourite things are
bubbles, balls, Elmo, clocks, and birds.
Max's treatment will involve surgery for partial or full removal of
the bladder and 6 to 10 months of chemotherapy. Lauren and Dan recently
moved to Owen Sound. Unfortunately, this is a nearly 3-hour drive to
McMaster Children's Hospital. Treatment will require weekly travel to
Hamilton.
Lauren is currently on maternity leave from her work as an early
childhood educator, and will not be able to return to work as planned.
For the foreseeable future, Lauren will need to provide round-the-clock
outpatient care to Max. Dan hopes to be able to spend as much time as
possible with his wife and son during this process. It is my hope that
we can come together to alleviate any financial pressures that will get
in their way.
$21 will cover parking for one appointment. $100 will pay for gas
for one round trip for weekly treatment. $200 will cover a week of
groceries. Every dollar counts towards relieving Max and his family of
financial stress. Let’s do what we can to help this family in need so
they can focus on the most important thing…helping Max beat cancer.
As Max's Aunt, on the Weber family’s behalf, I am asking with deep
humility and thankfulness that you find it in your heart to help. Any
amount is sincerely appreciated and will make a difference during this
difficult time.
THANK YOU for your help. Your generosity and compassion mean more than we can express.
With love and gratitude,
Max's Auntie Jasmin
