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Fundraiser for Xander Saturday, October 12th
12pm to 6pm
Please share Xanders story.
Xander was born a healthy and happy little boy. But all of that changed when he was only 3 years old and suddenly stopped walking. Imagine at the age of 3 trying to get into everything and explore to just stop. Imagine the fear being that boys' parents trying to figure out what was wrong with your little boy...at just aged 3.
Derek and Jennifer Townsend went from Dr's to pediatricians to emergency rooms to walk in clinics before finally being sent to sick kids' hospital. An MRI was finally done, and Derek and Jennifer had answers, but not the answers they wanted. It had come back that little Xander had a spinal tumor in the cauda equina. (Nerve roots that provide the ability to move and feel sensation)
Surgery had been dome with hopes of removing the tumor. Unfortunately for Xander and his family, his nerves had been intertwined in the tumor, so Dr's were only able to remove part of it.
Drs did a biopsy of the tumor, and more bad news followed. The tumor was clear cell meningioma (an extremely rare tumor) for a child of only age 3. At that time, Xander was the youngest known case. The surgery cause Xander to lose his ability to walk due to his nerves being severed and, in turn, had to be catheterized for 2 years. The family was then off to Princess Margaret Hospital for radiation treatments. Unfortunately due to Xanders vital organs being located in the same area of the tumor traditional radiation was not an option so Xander was then sent all the way to Florida to receive proton therapy, a more targeted radiation therapy. Xander spent almost 3 months in Jacksonville, Florida.
When Xander finally returned home, he had to go for surgery yet again. Xanders foot had contracted and had curled. He spent 2 months in a cast after an Achilles tendon lengthening.
Xander worked very hard. The hard work and dedication had started to pay off when Xander had started walking again. Although he wasn't able to go far distances, he made it around. It seemed as though Xanders original tumor had been "put to sleep," and just as things were starting to look up for the family, they realized another struggle was ensuing.
With anyone who receives radiation therapy, there is a very small (2%) chance of developing cancer. Unfortunately, Xander fell into that 2% statistic, and in 2021, he was diagnosed with a genetically mutated soft tissue sarcoma located higher up in his spine. Drs tried to remove it during surgery. Drs removed 40% of the tumor, but tragically, the result of the surgery resulted in Xander becoming a paraplegic.
Xander then started chemotherapy, which sent him into a delirium. He had to undergo 33 rounds of radiation, at which point the family spent 4 months in Toronto between hotels and Ronald McDonald house so Xander could get hospital treatments.
Xander is now 15 years old and not able to leave his bed. He requires 24-hour care and has a Foley catheter as he has no control over his bowels. This causes frequent UTIs, which has resulted in stage 3 kidney disease.
In April of 2024 it came back Xanders cancer had grown. The Drs wondering what would be the best treatment for Xander, surgery or more radiation. Due to Xander already being paraplegic from the last surgery it was decided radiation would be best, as no more spinal damage could be done then what had already been done.
Xander received 3 high dose radiation treatments. Xander has had a very difficult time bouncing back from this round.
Xanders hemoglobin plummeted to 49 when he had to receive a blood transfusion just a few weeks ago. Xander has developed severe bed sores as he can not adjust himself in bed. Despite efforts from Jennifer and Derek adjusting him every 2 hours, day and night, xanders hemoglobin being so low has caused the skin to break down. Nurses now must dress his wounds.
Xander requires a special bed at a very high cost. Jennifer and Derek were unable to get any assistance to purchase the bed. The community soon stepped in and raised enough money to get Xander his bed.
Xander and his family still have a long road to go, and we want to help as much as possible. On Saturday, October 12th, there will be a fundraiser held at 100 Acre Brewing Co in Peterborough. There will be live music, food, vendors, games and more.
We are currently looking for musicians and prizes to help raise money for this incredibly strong family.
Please email [email protected] for information on how you can help.
Music line up TBA
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
100 Acre Brewing Company, 390 Ashburnham Drive,Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
