Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Boy, 5 and a half, fights cancer for second time

He was two-and-a-half years old the first time he got cancer but he beat it. Now, at five and a half, the cancer is back. James Torraville has acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
5-yr-old-with-cancer-fundra.jpg
James Torraville, five and a half, is battling cancer for the second time. There's a fundraiser for the family Friday night at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club.

He was two-and-a-half years old the first time he got cancer but he beat it.

Now, at five and a half, the cancer is back.

James Torraville has acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He's down at BC Children's Hospital battling the disease right now, hoping to be home in time to go trick or treating on Halloween.

Treatment the first time took eight months of regular chemotherapy with followup after that.

"He did so good, he was so brave, he just had this beautiful smile and treatment did really well with him," said mom Stefanie Watson. "He was never sick and he was always right on the ball."

Then in April 2014 during regularly scheduled testing, there were what is termed worrisome cells discovered in his spine. May tests saw that it was clear and then those fateful June tests came back positive for cancer cells.

This time the treatment is intense chemotherapy planned for the next two years.

"James is doing great and enjoying going to kindergarten, meeting new friends and learning and he's grown - I swear - overnight," said Watson. "He's getting to be so smart and starting to get his own little personality and turning into such a little man and so independent. It's just crazy to me how amazing he is and sometimes I honestly forget he has cancer because he makes you forget 'cause he's just like any other little kid."

James loves Lego - buildings and especially cars are his favourites. He loves to go get firewood with his dad, Mike, and grandpa Jim, and everywhere he goes he makes sure little sister Gracie, who is almost two, is right by his side.

And right now, starting this journey for a second time requires some strength.

"We'll take it one day at a time," said Watson.

In the meantime concerned community members, Scott McWalter and David Mothus, understanding how being away from home while undergoing treatment takes its toll not only emotionally but financially, have organized a dance and silent auction to raise funds in support of James's treatment Friday night at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club beginning at 6 p.m., with Sound Addiction providing the music.

"I'm so thankful to the community for supporting us and special thanks to Scott McWalter and David Mothus, and family and friends for being so supportive. They've all been so wonderful."

Tickets are $10 and are available for purchase at Menchie's in Parkwood Place.