Rare spinal cord tumour (our son Jack)

$11,030 of $10,000 goal

Given by 107 generous donors in around 6 months

I am running 85km with just under 3000m of vertical gain to raise funds for the child/family sanctuary that is Ronald McDonald House.

Otago

It all started with our son complaining of a sore tummy. After numerous doctor visits we were finally put in front of a paedetrician.

Initial diagnosis was that it must be behavioural, we needed to be tougher on him at night (he was not sleeping well, in fact a bump on a road caused him distress!).

Finally we had an MRI in mid 2016. The news was not good - Pilocytic Astrocytoma or a rare spinal cord tumour. Thankfully a type that typically doesn't spread to other parts but instead keeps growing back. Our world was turned upside down. Flights booked to ChCh hospital to see our Neurosurgeon (who has been incredible throughout).

In a daze we arrived at Ronald McDonald House (https://rmhsi.org.nz) that provides accommodation, food and facilities for families whose children are requiring a hospital - child cancer (blood and brain seemed common but you name it we met kids with it) & premature babies were the most common. This sanctuary during a very stressful and emotional period is free - no charge at all. Meals most nights were provided (volunteers would bring the food and cook the meals), stay as long as you need they said. The staff are phenomenal, genuine empathy, love and laughter at a time where you need all the support you can get. This sanctuary exists/survives on donations only. Its a big facility, close to the hospital. It was an amazing experience to go through to see how generous people can be. From a negative always comes the positive.

I want to give back. I want to say thank you to the people and the place. I am going to run the Old Ghost Ultra in February next year (85km and just under 3000m of vertical gain). Yes I love trail running. But this is all for my son, his strength and resilience and most importantly for Ronald McDonald House South Island to help keep it it doing what it does.

Ronald McDonald House and the people that keep it going (including all the volunteers) we're eternally grateful and thankful. I hope we can raise some money to help give something back to you.

Cheers,

James, Amy, Ruby and our wee boy Jack who skied for the first time this year!! xxx

Ps - every single dollar and cent will go to Ronald McDonald House South Island.

James Brewer's involvement (page creator)

2 and a half years ago our son was diagnosed with a rare tumour in his spinal cord. He received two major operations to remove the tumour and during these extended periods of time at the hospital we were fortunate enough to stay at Ronald McDonald House in Christchurch. We could not have managed without their support, love and the roof they put over us, along with the meals that were provided.

Latest update

Thank you 17 September 2018

I just wanted to say a big thank you to those who have donated so far - big or small it all counts and is so much appreciated.

I was fortunate enough to get an article in the Wanaka Sun and also have a fund raising event coming up on 19th October. I am also speaking to our local Rotary in Oct. hopefully this will get a bit more exposure for RMH.

Jack ran a cross country race a few days ago and loved it. He is walking a bit gingerly on his left leg so a sign that he pushed himself (this leg is weaker post op).

He has a scan in one months time, so fingers are crossed for this.

Thanks again....

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