While out on a Kijiji run this morning, I stopped in to visit a friend.  During our visit, she shared some sad news regarding a young boy (12ish, I think) named Justin.  Justin was recently diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer that primarily strikes children.  Being a mom, it is always heart breaking to hear about a child fighting illness and especially something as severe as this and so close to home.

Ewing’s Sarcoma

Ewing Sarcoma is a primary bone cancer that accounts for only 1% of all childhood cancers.  This cancer originates in the bone and symptoms can include pain or swelling (generally in the leg, arm, chest, back or pelvis).  The swelling may feel warm to the touch and cause limited joint mobility.  An unexplainable fever may accompany the swelling.  The medical prognosis for this form of cancer is not good.  It is often “staged” based on whether the tumor is localized or has metastasized (spread to other organs).  Other factors that can affect the prognosis include the size and location of the tumor, as well as the age of the child.

Justin’s Journey

Justin’s mom Trish has started a blog called fightingforjustin.  She documents his journey through this horrible ordeal and how they are coping as a family.  She writes about how their nightmare began on June 15th, 2013 with an admission to Children’s Hospital for what they believed to be a case of pneumonia and how after many tests, the cancer diagnosis was received on June 28th.  My heart breaks as I read her posts and well-up with tears as I give thanks for the health and well-being of my own two children.

A Community Rallies For Justin

It is tough to see the silver lining in this tragedy, but in reading Trish’s blog you can see the love that is threaded through her posts, and the support that their community has given them is almost tangible.  Many initiatives have been put in place through both the town and their church family.  Children have being raising money for cancer through their “Juice for Justin” drive.  A special box called the “VICTORIOUS BOX” was delivered to the family and packed full of little inspiration gifts to lift Justin’s spirits.  The “Victorious Box” is based on this scripture:

Don’t be afraid for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. ~ Isaiah 41:10

A friend from their church family also began an “Orange Ribbon Campaign” in support of Justin.  Orange ribbons are springing up every where to encourage Justin in his fight. The town Youth Group. as well as friends and family members, are shaving their heads to honour him in his fight.

Let’s Support Justin

I don’t know the family personally, but I know that they would appreciate us praying for Justin.  Think of Justin, pray for him and his family and give thanks for your health and for the health of those you love.

I am not sure if there are donations formally being collected for the family or not, but check-out Trish’s blog or the Facebook page to stay up to date on Justin’s fight.

The Fight Against Cancer

In my little bit of research regarding Ewing’s Sarcoma, I came across a testimony from another mother, Karen, whose son was also diagnosed with this horrible disease.  In her testimony, she talks about how her son’s immune system became so compromised that it became essential for him to raise his glutathione levels in order to have the strength and ability to fight the disease.  This is an excerpt from her testimony.

….to understand what role glutathione plays in the cells: that it’s the “master antioxidant”, an immune system booster, and a detoxifier. He explained that Immunocal is a biologically active, undenatured whey protein isolate which supplies the body with the “precursors”, or building blocks, for the cells to make more of their own supply of this precious antioxidant. In the case of someone with cancer, the tumors themselves are very high in glutathione, which contributes to their rapid growth and explains why they are often resistant to even chemo and radiation. A very interesting thing happens, however, when a cancer patient eats Immunocal daily. The healthy cells INCREASE their supply of glutathione, while the tumor cells become DEPLETED in glutathione! This phenomenon is called “negative feedback inhibition”, and it is extremely useful for treating cancer. It was clear to me this was exactly what I had been looking for over the past 7 months — something non-toxic and natural to build Brian’s immune system and also protect his organs and blood supply while undergoing the rigors of chemo!

If you know someone who is currently fighting this horrible disease, I encourage you to do some research into this product and the incredible results that many cancer patients are having when they couple Immunocal with their prescribed medical therapy.  (Google Immunocal and type of cancer).

My thoughts and prayers are with Justin and his family.  Let the orange ribbons fly!

If you love to share your thoughts and interests and would like to get paid for doing what you love, do what I did and find some experts to mentor you. Click here to learn how a novice like myself was able to quickly learn techniques and strategies for blogging effectively.