Friends of six-year-old cancer patient Keian Blundell are again asking Langley residents to rally in support of the boy, as things have taken a turn for the worst.
Keian’s condition has greatly worsened since the community set a record with a one-day bottle drive to raise funds for his family in August.
“Last week, Keian went into the BC Children’s Hospital clinic for routine bloodwork and it was discovered that the leukemia had returned all throughout his blood again,” said Megan Sedawie Creasy, a friend of the family.
“This was devastating news for the family, as it meant that the last resort chemotherapy drug was not working. In a family meeting, doctors told Keian’s parents Chantal and Ryan that there was nothing more that could be done with Keian’s treatment.”
Doctors don’t believe Keian will live much longer.
His parents moved with Keian and their younger son Joren to Canucks Place last Friday.
“This move, however, does not imply defeat; Keian and his family are still fighting daily for the miracle they desperately need and deserve,” she said.
Sedawie Creasy said Langley has great meaning for the family and she is hoping the community can rally for the Blundells by sending cards and letter of support to Keian at Canucks Place. She is also selling Team Keian bracelets with all proceeds going to the family. Those bracelets can be bought at http://fundrazr.com/campaigns/4Ziqe.
“I would love if Langley would rally together and put up white holiday lights around homes in honour of Keian and his fight. The white lights would symbolize that we are supporting this family and uniting as a community to do so.”
Keian was diagnosed with leukemia in July 2012.
He has undergone radiation treatments, chemotherapy and received a bone marrow transplant from his younger brother Joren, but the cancer has come back twice.
Keian began a third round of treatment at the end of July.
The money raised by the bottle drive and other fundraisers will help Keian’s parents who have both taken time away from work to spend as much time as they can with their son.
Ryan has exhausted his employment insurance benefits and the family has had to give up their rental home in Langley.
They were temporarily living in an apartment provided by the hospital.
Compassionate care EI pays for 35 weeks but for parents in this type of battle with cancer, that just isn’t enough.They have struggled to pay car insurance, she said. But the $41,000 raised so far has been a huge help and they are incredibly grateful, said Sedawie Creasy.
When asked what would Keian want people to know, Sedawie said this:
“Keian is such a brave, fearless young boy. He would tell people to never give up on themselves or their dreams. He would tell people not to be afraid of the intimidating events in life, and to fight in order to conquer those obstacles. He is a very intelligent and thoughtful boy, and he makes sure that everyone he loves not only knows that he loves them but knows why. He would want everyone to share their feelings just like he does so everyone knows they’re loved.”
Anyone wanting to put up lights for Keian can have Santa’s Little Helpers (1-888-89SANTA) do it for a 10 per cent discount on installation if you mention Kisses for Keian.
To become involved, join the “Team Keian” group on Facebook. The email address is kisses.for.keian@hotmail.com