James Torraville has gone through more than some will go through in a lifetime and he does it without fear.
He's currently in grade four at Heather Park Elementary School, but is down in Vancouver fighting an illness that can take all you have.
This isn't his first battle. Sadly, it's his third.
James was first diagnosed with Acute lymphocytic leukemia at two-and-a-half years old in 2011.
His mom, Stefanie Watson, says his first treatment began at just three-years-old when he started chemotherapy. He then would relapse with CNS at five and a half years old. CNS is a disease where malignant (cancer) cells form in the lymph tissue of the brain and possibly the spinal cord.
In 2018, he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia on Dec. 5.
Each time, James and his family have had to go down to Vancouver.
The treatments for James were tough, Watson tells PrinceGeorgeMatters.
His first diagnosis of Acute lymphocytic leukemia required three years of chemotherapy. During his first relapse with CNS, he had another two years of treatment including 10 rounds of radiation as well as chemotherapy.
Then during his second relapse, he went through two very hard rounds of chemotherapy as well as seven rounds of radiation while also requiring a bone marrow transplant.
His sister Grace would end up being the bone marrow donor.
"Amazing spirits. Never complained, happy, easy going," Watson says of James and his attitude when it comes to his battles. "He carries his beautiful smile with such courage and strength."
Not surprisingly, James' mom has had to take a leave of absence from her job which prompted Kindergarten teacher Niki Beach to set up a GoFundMe to support the family while James goes through his battle.
Fundraisers have also been held for James including his class selling orange wrist bands with his name on them which raised more than $3,000. Once they were sold out, the GoFundMe was set up.
As well, Heart to Hart preschool is in the building with Heather Park Elementary and have started a bottle account at the depot for James.
James' mom says they can never thank the community of Prince George enough for the fundraisers and help they've provided while they continue to support James in Vancouver.
"I can never thank our community enough for being so supportive," Watson says. "Everyone is always happy to help in any way they can. We appreciate it from the bottoms of our hearts. It’s definitely helped ease the financial burden for our family."
