Heather Latter
Joanna Singleton is appreciative of the community support her son, Thomas Chapais, has received since it was discovered earlier this month that his cancer had returned.
“I’m just amazed and shocked and overwhelmed by all the support we have been receiving,” she said.
She noted they only moved to Fort Frances in 2014, although her family has lived in the area longer.
“It’s overwhelming but in a good way,” Singleton remarked.
Chapais was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2014. After having his leg amputated, he had returned to class at Robert Moore and was adjusting well to school life.
But he attended a recent regular check-up in Winnipeg, where it was learned his cancer had returned.
A tumour was discovered on his shoulder while one that was removed from his lung back in February had grown back.
There had been hope the youngster would be able to use an experimental drug to help slow the growth of the tumours, but he ended up not being eligible.
But if he had been able to take the drug, he would have had to remain in Winnipeg.
Instead, Chapais is able to be home in Fort Frances with his friends and family, including his one brother and four sisters.
Although currently not attending school (he is a Grade 6 student but in a Grade 7 class), his classmates at Robert Moore held a movie night fundraising last Thursday, raising $4,700 for the family.
“It was amazing,” Singleton enthused. “I didn’t expect that kind of turnout.
“It’s amazing how many people do care and they don’t even know me or my son or my family.”
Then last weekend, the Fort Frances Fire Department picked up Singleton, Chapais, and his little cousin and took them for a ride around town and a tour of the fire hall.
Even though they are not band members of Couchiching, the First Nation has offered plenty of support, including hosting a community barbecue this Saturday from 5-7 p.m. at the multi-use building.
The cost is $10, with the meal featuring bannock burgers, hotdogs, salads, chips, pop/juice, and coffee/tea.
There also will be a door prize and a penny table, with proceeds to help fund the youngster’s “Make A Wish” campaign.
Anyone wishing to donate penny table items can contact Holly Bruyere at 271-1181.
Singleton has been in contact with the Make-a-Wish Foundation to fulfill her son’s wish of going to Toronto to see the Blue Jays play—and maybe even throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
They also may visit the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, and/or Canada’s Wonderland.
“The best part about it is all of us will be there [in Toronto],” Singleton noted, adding they’re hoping to will be able to take the trip sometime in May.
She added her son is doing OK right now.
“If you were to see him and look at him, you wouldn’t know that he is sick,” she remarked.
Singleton said they’ve asked the doctors how much time her son has left, but it all depends on how fast the tumours grow.
“They are growing pretty fast and they are big already,” she conceded.
“The one in his left lung was four cm big at our last doctor’s appointment and then he has the one on his shoulder and that’s the size of a tennis ball.
“It’s the one in his lung that’s going to start giving him problems first, so the doctors have told us what to watch for,” she added.
Although this is a very tough time for the family, they are trying to remain positive.
“We’re looking at other options for him, like traditional [medicine] and herbal teas, stuff like that,” Singleton explained.
“There’s miracles that happen every day and we’re going to continue to do whatever we can,” she added.
“We’re not going to give up.”
And Singleton stressed they are not going to let this bring them down.
“We’re going to keep living our life and be happy,” she vowed.
“I don’t want Thomas to see us sad and crying all at time because he’ll feed off those feelings and start feeling like that.
“We’re just trying to make the best of the time we have left with him.”
Singleton added her son has a positive attitude.
“He’s in great spirits right now,” she remarked. “He’s a tough guy.”
Anyone interested in making a monetary donation to the family can call Dianna Singleton 271-1935.
Donations also can be made online on the “Go Fund Me” page at www.gofundme.com/hfizdo
