It was the summer of 2020 and Ethan’s family was filled with excitement and, of course, mixed with a few nerves, as Ethan prepared to start Junior Kindergarten. But in mid-August, their world was turned upside down. At the age of 4, Ethan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The carefree summer days they had imagined were suddenly replaced with hospital stays, appointments, and many procedures for Ethan.
Following Ethan’s diagnosis, he was hospitalized for two weeks to begin his treatment journey, during which his mom and dad carried the emotional weight of supporting him while also caring for his toddler sister, Olivia. “We received so much care and support during that time and couldn’t have done it without our family” Ethan’s mom recalls, “but that’s when we were introduced to Childcan. Right away, they provided parking passes, meal vouchers, offered help with bills, and so much more. They were always there at the hospital with support.”
Of course, cancer treatment goes far beyond a two-week hospital stay. Ethan’s mom took a year off work to care for him while his dad continued working to support the family. “For the first 6 plus months we were travelling back and forth to the hospital every couple of days for Ethan’s appointments and sometimes they turned into over night stays. But, as time went on, the appointments slowly decreased. Now that Ethan is done treatment, he has just one more appointment before moving to annual checkups. We thought this time would never come.”
Throughout their journey, Childcan remained a constant presence—inviting the family to events, holiday parties, and more. “Those events are so special to our family. We get to reconnect with families we haven’t seen since our hospital days and the kids get to just be kids again. There was one year we thought maybe we shouldn’t attend the holiday party since Ethan had finished treatment, but Childcan reminded us, ‘Once you’re a Childcan Family, you’re always a Childcan Family.’ It was at this time, I knew in my heart that it was our time to give back to this amazing organization.”
Just like that, Ethan’s family had a new mission; to give back to Childcan through their jam-making fundraiser. What started as a small project, turned into something bigger, each and every year selling out of her homemade peach jam. “I started small by making just peach jam but each year I add more flavours. When we first began this project, we didn’t know how big it would truly get but each year it continues to grow and sell out. For me, that means doubling the amount of jam I make each year, thanks to our supportive community.”
Making jam has become a family activity for the Abraham’s. Ethan’s mom makes the jam and Ethan and Olivia enjoy selling it over Labour Day weekend. It’s the perfect kick-off to Childhood Cancer Awareness month - a chance to tell their story and raise awareness of Childcan and what they have done for their family.
“Every batch we sell, helps another family, another child, feel the same support we did. To me, Childcan means hope. It means strength in numbers. It means someone is always there to catch you when you fall. Giving back is our way of saying thank you and also helping ensure other families receive the same care, kindness and compassion we were so lucky to experience.”
Now, for Ethan’s family, life feels good again. Two years after treatment ended, the family went on their Wish trip to Disney—joined by two other families they had met during treatment.
“We may be done with treatment, but we’ll always be part of the Childcan family. We know how important these events are for Ethan and Olivia, as well as us. And we’re already looking forward to holding that big cheque again later this year after another successful jam season! Thank you again, Childcan for all your love and support!”
Thank you to Ethan’s family for all that you do to help other families who are following in your footsteps. Through your (delicious btw) peach jam sales and more, you are truly making a difference!
