Eliana was diagnosed with leukemia September 2024. At 7 years old, Eli was just about to start grade 2 and her first year of ice hockey when she started to complain of severe leg pains. The pains were migratory and intense. At first we thought perhaps just growing pains but soon she was immobilized from the pain. Within just a few weeks she dropped weight and developed fevers. Finally we got her to Children’s early September where she began treatment. 

 

The treatment plan has been intense. We stayed at Children’s for over three weeks at the onset and once she was cleared to go home we have been back there every single week since. Sometimes its just for a day treatment and other times like these past two months we have had 3 day sleepovers every other week. It has been grueling on my husband and I but Eliana shows such resilience and positivity. At the beginning she struggled with understanding why her life has been disrupted and why she has cancer. Existential questioning for a 7 year old! But in a remarkable fashion she has accepted her fate and is determined like everyone around her in her village to get through this, 

 

Her intensive treatment will continue through the summer and if everything goes to plan she will be in “maintenance” in September 2025 - fingers crossed. 

 

Eliana is a vibrant child. She is comedic, often making jokes and funny faces to entertain others. She is musical, she loves to sing and dance. Above all, she is fierce! We joke that if she does end up joining hockey again she will spend a lot of time in the penalty box!! She is a wonderful balance of artistic, athletic, and has a heart of gold. 

 

We are very grateful for this opportunity as a family. Given how much Eliana enjoyed the Valley West Stampede last year, despite the pain, we are looking forward to seeing her light up at the Valley West Stampede 2025. 

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Sincerely, 

Gabrielle and family.