Patient Stories
Eight year old ends three year battle with Cancer
When Brandon Assoun was five years old he was outside bouncing on his trampoline with his older brother and sister when his life changed. Brandon’s eyes turned red, then they shut and he couldn’t open them. His mother was panicked and immediately took him to see a doctor.
At first, his eye doctor suspected he had an allergy, which was quickly ruled out because his reaction was too severe. His doctor ran many tests and even tried freezing his eyes and opening them herself—it was as if they were cemented shut. He was then transferred to the Pediatrics Unit at the Regional Hospital. Brandon’s mom, Leanne, was terrified he would lose his sight forever.
Before this, Brandon was healthy and very active. It wasn’t until six days after his eyes first closed that he started to get a fever. His mom shares, “At this point, he was crying in pain because his eyes hurt so badly.”
Brandon was transferred to the IWK in Halifax, where they ran more tests. After determining he had almost no white blood cells, they tested his bone marrow. More than 80% of his bone marrow was taken over by leukemia.
Within hours, Brandon started chemotherapy treatment. After seven days of having his eyes shut, Brandon finally opened them.
Brandon’s mom shares that traveling to Halifax for treatment was very hard on their family: “We even had to miss grading day for our two other children.” After this, Brandon was able to receive a significant portion of his care at home, thanks to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre and the Pediatrics Unit at the Regional Hospital, which is able to treat children with cancer.
Brandon has been receiving chemotherapy for three years. And, once a month, he has to be hooked up to an IV. While this journey has been a struggle for the Assoun family, they are grateful for the care Brandon received from Dr. Andrew Lynk and a very special nurse in the Pediatrics Unit at the Regional Hospital, Judi Gouthro.
In August, 2010, Brandon finished his cancer treatments. Today, Brandon is healthy and active—his family couldn’t be happier.
Featured Events
Golf For Dad – In Support of Prostate Cancer
Over the course of their lives, one in seven Canadian men will develop prostate cancer. And one in 27 of them, will die from it.
On June 8th, 2012, Golf for Dad – in support of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, will take place at The Lakes Golf Club, in Ben Eoin. Grab your favorite golf buddies and come out for a great golf day, all in support of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre. Included in your package is a pre game reception the night before the tournament, lunch and a BBQ on the course with a full steak dinner to end the day.
All funds raised will be donated to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, in support of Prostate Cancer.
For more information, phone Stephanie McLean 902-567-7054.
5th Annual Cape Breton Cares Radiothon!
Mark Your Calendars!
The 5th Annual Cape Breton Cares Radiothon will take place on September 27th, 2012.
Last year, our community came together to raise more than $506,000 at the Cape Breton Cares Radiothon. Thanks to your support, we were able to purchase critical equipment and fund upgrades for departments throughout the Regional Hospital. Click here for more information on Radiothon.
This 12-hour long event is the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation’s biggest and most exciting event. And it is all thanks to your support!
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