Kenji

In November 2022, Kenji experienced ear pain which was assumed to just be an ear infection. However, Kenji’s symptoms worsened in the months that followed, including extreme ear pain and swelling in his eye.

After various tests in March 2023, Kenji’s family was told he needed to be admitted to Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH). Kenji and his family arrived and soon learned he had tumours. He was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) the following day.

It has been a tough, lengthy journey for the eight-year-old, but his mom Carmela says the dedication and kindness from JPCH medical staff were instrumental in Kenji’s recovery.

“Every step of the way, the medical team demonstrated an outstanding level of expertise and proficiency. They displayed not only their medical knowledge but also their incredible ability to provide emotional support to both my son and our entire blended family. During those challenging months, I knew Kenji was in the most capable hands,” Carmela said.

Kenji underwent chemotherapy treatment for 194 days. He’s still being closely monitored, but is happy to now be back home in Kindersley with his family. Kenji’s family is grateful he was able to receive his lifesaving treatment close to home in Saskatchewan. He has been an inspiration to his family and everyone who supported him along his medical journey.

“Kenji’s strength throughout his battle with cancer has been truly remarkable. It takes immense courage and resilience to face such a challenging journey, and he has shown that strength every step of the way. As his parents, we are incredibly proud of him for his determination and bravery in fighting cancer,” Carmela said about her son.

While he’s shy at first, Kenji loves making friends, learning, drawing and playing soccer and basketball. At a young age, he has learned to appreciate the little things in life including time with family.

Donate to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation to help kids like Kenji!