Meet Sterling
Sterling’s story begins in May, 2008. After three weeks of dealing with a very sick little boy, a cat scan revealed an extremely large mass in our two-year-old’s brain. Diagnosed with a grade three brain tumour, my husband and I were devastated. Our family’s life as we knew it was changed forever.
As a mother of four, I struggle to find the words to describe how difficult this journey has been. How difficult it is to watch Sterling endure so much. How difficult it is to be separated from my other three children while attending to Sterling’s needs. How difficult it is for my husband to juggle our home and business. And ultimately, how difficult it is to come to terms with having a seriously ill child. As a family we have watched Sterling persevere gruelling tests, surgeries and treatment. Having lost so many basic skills and functions, after his first surgery we were unsure when or if he would recover. Drawing close to each other during these difficult times, Sterling’s incredible spirit continues to remind us of the gifts we have and what is really important.
“Like any challenge in life, it’s not something we can do alone.”
Two years after the initial diagnosis, Sterling’s tumour reoccurred. When the doctors in Saskatoon told us they didn’t have any treatment options, we pursued many desperate discussions and calls that had us packing and on our way to Toronto for another chance.
“It was here that we were received by RMH Toronto. This “home away from home” took a huge burden off our already stretched resources.”
The daily programs helped to fill our days in a strange city, provided a meeting place for us to get to know other families and helped distract us from the other not so great parts of Sterling’s days. The therapy dog “Bogey” was a huge motivation for Sterling to get through treatments at the hospital.
“Sterling doesn’t understand how fragile his health is, but he does know love, acceptance, fun and comfort—everything he came to know RMH Toronto for.”
Two years ago we were told Sterling would not survive this tumour. While we aren’t in denial we continue to fight for Sterling with the same incredible spirit he has fought this devastating disease with.
“To all the volunteers and generous donors of RMH Toronto, thank you for helping us fight for Sterling.”Past Issues
