Miracle Story Cole

At 15 years old, Cole from Shellbrook, SK, was living a typical teenage life and enjoying time on the football field until sudden numbness in his nose and unexplained hand spasms in 2021 led to a life-changing diagnosis.  

Although the symptoms didn’t initially raise concern, to be careful Cole saw a pediatrician who referred him to a neurologist.

In March 2022, Cole and his family made their first trip to Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) for an electroencephalogram (EEG) – a test measuring electrical activity in the brain. At first, it seemed like Cole could have epilepsy, but an MRI in the summer of 2022 confirmed he had a brain tumour.

“You ask yourself why. Why him? Why a tumour? Why a tumour in the brain?,” said Cole’s mom Teri.

While it was an extremely stressful time, Cole and his family were confident in the expertise and experience of the medical team at Saskatchewan’s JPCH. They felt well-informed every step of the way and eventually decided to have Cole’s tumour removed in December 2022.

“I felt comfortable knowing that I had one of the best surgeons here operating on me. That was definitely reassuring, but I was really just scared about it and the end results,” Cole said reflecting on the time before the surgery. 

Fortunately, Cole’s surgery was a success. Four days later, Cole was discharged from Saskatchewan’s JPCH. Cole has since been in stable condition and goes for follow-up MRIs at JPCH every six months. 

Cole is about to celebrate his 17th birthday and is still an avid football fan. While his playing career paused during recovery, he is now back in football for his Grade 12 season! Despite the lasting numbness in his hand, Cole has also taken up track and field, conquering discus and shotput.

Reflecting on Cole’s resilience his mom Teri said, “I believe his tumour hasn’t stopped him, it has made him stronger.” 

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