The lives of one Drayton family changed in mid-October when two-year-old Evan Conway, son of Maggie and Bill Conway, was diagnosed with leukemia.
It all started with a strange rash on Evan’s legs that looked like tiny, red pin pricks under the skin. Small, dark bruises appeared on his feet, arms, cheek and ear.
The next day, Oct. 16, the rash had doubled on his leg and covered the rest of his body. The bruises had darkened significantly.
That evening, doctors at Palmerston hospital were unable to diagnose Evan’s condition until blood tests showed platelets (which help clot blood) were at extremely low levels.
After a call was placed to McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Evan and Maggie were transported by ambulance from Palmerston to McMaster.
At 1pm on Oct. 17, after extensive tests, a group of three doctors diagnosed Evan with leukemia.
On Oct. 19, a main port was put into Evan’s chest for IV treatments and a bone marrow sample was drawn. Cancer treatments began Oct. 22.
“This was a huge shock to us. How could a healthy, happy boy be running around and playing one day and then have leukemia the next?” Maggie wondered. “It was hard for us to understand.”
Family, friends and co-workers were in shock. There was an immediate outpouring of support from the community, family and friends.
The family received phone calls, text messages, emails and Facebook messages. Neighbours offered to help with Evan’s siblings. Many families organized meals, snacks and gifts.
Maggie has quit her job and her husband Bill has reduced hours at work to be able to spend time with the family as Maggie is living at McMaster with Evan.
The family has a room at Ronald McDonald House. Bill uses it throughout the week when he visits. On weekends, Bill stays with Evan in the hospital and Maggie spends time with her other two children Olivia and Cody at the house.
The family is thankful for everyone’s support, help and prayers.
“We are extremely grateful to have such an amazing community stand with us while we fight a long, hard battle,” Maggie said.
Evan is receiving up to 10 different medications daily, chemotherapy every week, and gets platelet and red blood cell transfusions every few days.
Information about Evan’s stay in Hamilton and ways to help the family can be found on Maggie’s Facebook page.
Orange is the colour associated with leukemia. Anyone interested in showing their support of Evan can decorate their homes or businesses with orange ribbons.
An account has been set up at the Royal Bank branch in Drayton to accept donations to help the family.
Sharron Cairns of Canadian Blood Services encourages everyone to give blood or become a platelet donor. Platelet donors are in high demand. By booking an appointment it ensures the clinic has enough supplies to gather donations.
The next clinic in Drayton, scheduled for Nov. 24, is in honour of Evan. The clinic runs from 3:30 to 7:30pm at Community Christian School. Donors are encouraged to call 1-888-236-6283 or email blood.ca to book an appointment.
