Your support helps advance cancer research and treatments for kids with leukemia like Josiah
At just 3 years old, Josiah found himself in the fight of his life. What began as small changes, a few unexplained bruises, tiredness, and sore legs, quickly became something much more serious. By January, Josiah was pale, feverish, and in pain. His parents rushed him to the emergency room in Iqaluit, where blood tests revealed devastating news: Josiah likely had leukemia.
Within hours, he and his parents were flown to Ottawa, where further testing confirmed acute lymphoblastic leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer. He began treatment immediately, starting with a blood transfusion and chemotherapy. Far from home and family, the days were long and frightening.
After a month in hospital, Josiah’s family transferred to Manitoba so he could continue his treatment closer to home and to his siblings. At CancerCare Manitoba, Josiah began his next phase of care — supported by research and clinical trials made possible through donor generosity.
Because of donor-funded advances, Josiah is receiving the most effective treatments available for childhood leukemia. The progress of research and access to clinical trials have given his family hope for his recovery.
Despite many hard days, Josiah’s bright spirit shines through. Between chemotherapy sessions, he loves spending time in the playroom at CancerCare Manitoba, a vibrant space also funded by donors, where he can laugh and play like any other three-year-old. Those moments of joy mean the world to him and his family.
There have been setbacks — like a severe reaction to chemotherapy that sent him back to hospital — but Josiah continues to fight with courage and heart. His story is a reminder of why donor support for cancer research, clinical trials, and compassionate programs is so vital. Each gift brings families like Josiah’s closer to a future filled with more birthdays, more laughter, and more hope.
Jets fans have the chance to contribute to the fight against childhood cancer through several fundraising initiatives as part of the NHL’s annual Hockey Fights Cancer campaign. Support Josiah, his fellow ambassadors at the Hockey Fights Cancer game Sunday, Nov. 23 when exclusive in-game auctions and the team’s 50/50 draw will support the work of CancerCare Manitoba Foundation in bringing groundbreaking treatments and trials to Manitoba – winnipegjets.com/tickets. You can also support the cause by donating to CancerCare Manitoba or purchasing tickets to the online HFC jersey raffle.
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