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Peavine toddler bravely faces battle with tumour
Mac Olsen
for South Peace News
Peavine Bishop Routhier School is once again showing its generosity and helping someone in need.
Kohen Flett was diagnosed with a brain tumour in February and he had brain surgery for a biopsy to determine the type. He also required chemotherapy and more surgery to put a device into his chest for treatments and blood work.
“Because he is so small and young, his veins would not be strong enough for the numerous treatments he will need,” says Delores Flett, his grandmother.
“The day after the second surgery, we met with the Stollery Children’s Hospital (in Edmonton) oncologist. We were informed that Kohen has Low Grade Glioma, which is located in the optic pathway area.”
She also says surgery is not an option because the risk of blindness is too high. He requires 70 treatments, one each week for the next 18 months, as well as blood work before each treatment to ensure his blood counts can tolerate them. He may require a blood transfusion should the chemotherapy affect his blood counts, as well as hormone replacement treatments because the tumour is located near his pituitary gland.
“We will need to monitor him closely and we have to be close to the hospital should he develop any type of infection. He will likely be susceptible to infections, so we will need to limit visitors and outside activities when his immune system is not strong.”
The family is praying his tumour will shrink or go away and he never loses his sight. She says it has been very hard on her family for the last two months and it is nice to know people care.
Peavine Bishop Routhier School has generously donated a basket with books and some stuffed toys for Kohan.
“It was just a general idea that floated around because we are very community oriented,” says principal Bruce Joudrey.
“When we hear of someone who is sick, we tend to get together and say, ‘Look, can we do this, or can we do that?’ We had a book fair and said, ‘Let’s buy him some books.’ Most of the staff bought books and put them in the basket, along with some stuffed toys and we presented it to him March 23.”
Flett thanks all who have supported her family.
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