Since being diagnosed with cancer in early 2012, Sheyanne O’Donnell has not only battled the disease personally, but she has become an advocate and fundraiser, bringing joy to fellow sufferers.
Sheyanne, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in February of last year at the age of 10, has been receiving treatments at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton.
The disease, usually found in very young children, can result in widespread tumours. Since her diagnosis, she has become a lightning rod for cancer awareness and support in the community – with the help of various family members, including her mother Rebecca, father Kevin and younger sister Brittney. Another big supporter has been cousin Cassey O’Donnell, whom Sheyanne considers a big sister.
Sheyanne, together with her family, organized the “Smiley Chimps Toy Drive” with the goal of collecting 200 toys for patients at the Hamilton hospital, who range in age from newborns to 18-year-olds.
The response was overwhelming, with 1,221 toys collected, which Sheyanne and her family delivered to the hospital on Dec. 2 with the help of a donated truck from Armstrong Trucking.
“The hospital Child Life team was shocked at how such a little girl could inspire such a small community to help her with such a generous donation,” said Rebecca.
Cassey was equally surprised by the amount of toys donated – but not by Sheyanne’s commitment to helping others.
“When we go shopping and she buys something it’s never for herself,” Cassey said. “It was amazing.”
Rebecca added, “I think her way of coping is to try to help others.”
Rebecca said hospital staff were also thankful for the timing of the donated toys – close to Christmas when many young patients will spend the holidays away from home.
“If a child is having a bad day they can give them a toy, big or small,” Rebecca said. “Christmas is when they need donations because people are staying there.”
Rebecca and Kevin have been splitting their time between work and visiting with their daughter when she’s receiving treatment at the hospital. They hope to have the family together for Christmas, and in particular on Sheyanne’s birthday on Dec. 18.
“I think it’s going to be a quieter Christmas,” Rebecca said. “Hopefully she’ll be home.”
Rebecca and Cassey agree that when they are with Sheyanne they don’t talk about what she is undergoing, but about others; family and friends.
“That’s why she got involved in the toy drive,” Rebecca said.
Earlier this year Sheyanne’s cancer was stabilized and she was able to attend school in Arthur with her friends. The family has also spent a week in Paris, France – courtesy of the Make a Wish Foundation – something Rebecca described as “fantastic.”
Upon their return, Sheyanne experienced severe pain and was re-admitted to McMaster. More treatments are ongoing as doctors continue to monitor the disease and its progression.
“We don’t know how long we have with her; it’s more quality of life,” Rebecca said of how the family and her daughter look at each day.
