Sophia Hvidston of Canora turns six years old today (September 20) and she would be very happy if her acute lymphoblastic leukemia stays in remission for every day and every birthday from now on.
Her mother Shanna said Sophia finished her most recent treatments on June 11.
“She is considered to be in remission right now, but will have checkups in Saskatoon every five weeks for the next five years. If she stays in remission for five years, she will be considered cancer free.”
Of course, it’s impossible to know what Sophia’s future holds health-wise, but one thing mother and daughter know for sure is that they have strong support in this fight against cancer from numerous sources. Shanna said they truly appreciate all the support they’ve received.
“Canora has been beyond amazing for us. People are always asking us how she’s doing. Canora Junior Elementary School (CJES) has been so supportive and understanding when she has had to miss school for treatments or checkups.”
On September 10, the Silver for Gold fundraising event was held at Riverside Landing in Saskatoon, sponsored by EcoGenX of Canora, as a way of raising funds and awareness for childhood (pediatric) cancer, said Dallon Leger, EcoGenX owner.
The day included a gold walk as part of the fundraising effort. The day was also the culmination of the EcoGenX initiative of collecting aluminum pop can tabs to raise money, said Leger.
“We collected about 1.2 million pop tabs, weighing 990 pounds, from all across western Canada over the past four months. In Canora, 14 businesses have collected tabs for us.”
Leger said this was the first EcoGenX fundraiser of this type, but due to the strong support it will be an annual event from now on.
Another youngster who was on-hand for the fundraiser and appreciates the support is Farrah Kirkland of Porcupine Plain. She was diagnosed with Langerhans histiocytosis in April of 2016 when she was just two years old. After a full year of chemotherapy and steroid treatment, her cancer is now in remission. There is no known cure and she may have to deal with this the rest of her life, but she is hopeful of living a normal life.
Shanna Hvidston said they are so appreciative of the support, but more is needed. She said at last count, only about five per cent of government funding for cancer research goes to children, and the rest goes to adults. They are very motivated to continue raising funds and awareness.
In addition to being grateful for the support, Sophia is determined to help other children in need.
She has started collecting socks, and will be doing so until the end of November, for the Canadian charitable organization called Little Warriors. These socks will be used to make baskets for any child with a medical illness. Those who wish to support the project may drop off socks at the RM of Keys building in Canora.
