Written by BERNICE TRICK
Citizen staff
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Monday, 17 November 2008 |
Kaela Ovington cuddles her cat Gonzo. (Submitted photo)
After Kaela Ovington, 15, was diagnosed with acute myelocytic leukemia in September, she was quickly put into treatment, and underwent her first round of chemotherapy last month.
"It's a rare disease with only 600 annual known cases in Canada. She's among six cases in B.C.," said her mother, Sue Ovington.
AML, which affects the blood cells and bone marrow, can progress quickly, and if not treated, could be life threatening within a few months.
"Kaela has spent most of the time at B.C. Children's Hospital, so it's really interrupted her life and school work," said Sue, who explained Kaela had been working towards graduating at least six months early with plans to become a dental hygienist.
Her medical prognosis is good with an expected cure rate of about 70 per cent. "She's responded well to the chemotherapy and is now in her second round in Vancouver. She lost her hair, and it was just coming in again, but I imagine she'll lose it," said Sue, a business analyst with Northern Health.
Since Kaela's dad, Ray, has had to take a leave of absence from work at Pacific Western Brewery, to be with her in Vancouver, an unexpected amount of support from the community has been a blessing to the family.
"Like most families, we make every effort to make ends meet, but when you're suddenly faced with a lot of extra expenses, you really appreciate efforts to help.
"An outpouring of support for our family has been wonderful. It has renewed our family's faith in the kindness in all of us. There are no words that truly express how thankful we are," said Sue.
Two neighbourhood families organized bottle drives and Nechako Bottle Depot added to it, neighbour Anita Storinski created pins to sell, CNC staff donated $354, PPWC Local 29 paid two months of parking at BCCH, totalling $530 and Sue's work mates donated hundreds of dollars in gift cards. The cash donations go into a Kaela Ovington trust fund at Integris Credit Union, Account number 694406-01, for direct deposits by anyone wishing to help the family.
Kaela, a Grade 10 honour student, is a talented musician who can play almost any instrument, and a member of the Prince George secondary school junior volleyball team.
"Even though she hasn't been able to play this year, the team made sure she got a team jacket and that pleased her very much," said Sue.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 18 November 2008 )
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