After my sister put up the blog post, my brother liked it on facebook and tagged me in it. That was all we did. From there, social media worked its magic. We never anticipated it would spread so fast. In the first 24 hours we had over 80,000 visitors to this blog, and over 300 emails with suggestions. Incredible.
The emails and kind comments have buoyed our spirits so much. It has given me great hope that we can beat this ugly cancer!
Many people have so kindly asked about donating money. And, some have opened up fundraisers on our behalf. This is so generous. BUT, last month, we had scammers open up a fundraiser using the boys pictures and our identical story. Due to this, we would appreciate it if nobody else starts a fundraising campaign for us. We have a fundraiser that's been going for months. It can be found HERE
We have been helped by many generous non profit organizations. We are not soliciting for donations. But, we wanted to post the link in hopes it will stop people from starting fundraisers for us, and it will give a chance for those that truly want to donate an easy way to do so. Again, please don't feel pressure to donate. We will make it through this!
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As for a housing update - because I know you are curious. :)
No, we haven't secured housing as of yet. Yes, we have tried all the obvious kijiji, craigslist, airbnb, Ronald McDonald, sabbatical homes, etc. We have people who work for them now working on our behalf to try and find us something, which is most kind. Honestly, we are trying to sort through the 500 emails that have come in over night. I wish we could thank every one of you via email, but we can't keep up with them. Please know that the emails and ideas are much appreciated.
We've also had offers from people who live outside Toronto. We wish this is would work but with our repeated trips to and from the hospital during the same day, we need to be within walking distance to the hospital. I know the subway system is wonderful, but when you have an immune compromised child, the subway is not ideal.
We've had genuine offers from people willing to go live with extended family and give us their house. Others offering to move into their basement and give us the upstairs. Offering homes while they vacation. We've been in awe. We've had tears streaming down our cheeks as our breathe catches and we try to verbally read the email aloud to one another.
Absolutely incredible, the amount of support we have received. Thank you so much.
Fundraiser link over on the side bar ----------------->
I know you need to stay in downtown area, but I know it is so difficult because of money.
ReplyDeleteI would like to offer my basement for free, has 3 bedrooms , 1 kitchen and bathroom.
(Scarborough Golf Club Road and Lawrence) I give it for option.
This is so great!! Amazing to see the goodness of so many people. <3 We all love you so much and are pulling for you. You're gonna get through this!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see such a wonderful response! I posted the link on my FB and had over 10 people share it from there (most who were from Toronto or had many Toronto friends and family who then reposted it on their walls). Such a wonderful thing social media can be. Also great to see the media get involved! Lots of prayers! xo
ReplyDeleteLive across from sick kids and have families rent out spots in my building. Just waiting for rental office to confirm costs and availability on two bedroom suite
ReplyDeleteSocial media is amazing and there are so many good people in this world. Thank you from another auntie of these babies! Brings us all to tears!
ReplyDeletejust wanted to take a moment to wish your family well. I am so truly very sorry to hear about this health crisis that your boys are facing. They are absolutely beautiful, all 4 of them. I hope the treatments go well. I wish I could donate money, but since I cannot, please just know that I care, as do so many others who have not met you but are touched by your story. Stay strong, hold on to God, and spend time with your precious ones.
ReplyDeleteDear Jenna,
DeleteThank you for your kind comment. The thing we want most, is prayers.
Hi Emily!!!! I actually can't help you with the housing problem that you are having as I am living in Sweden. Idid however post your story on FB as I come from Ontario. I just want to give you a few words of encouragement. I totally understand what you and your family are going through. In 2010 one of our twin boys was diagnosed with leukemia. He has now been cancer and treatment free fo thelast 14 months.Remeber there is hope. Treatment can take its toll on whom ever is having it but our kids are much stronger then we think. Youmay think that you can not go on anymore but remember the boys need you. Stay strong and I will think of you and your family often. F CANCER
ReplyDeleteNo child should ever have to go through this!!! <3 <3
We read this quote and liked it:
Delete"I wish cancer got cancer and died."
My friend's friend is renting out a 2 bedroom condo at yonge and dundas for $2200/month. Maybe you could try contacting: http://toronto.craigslist.ca/tor/apa/4588940705.html
DeleteI had the same type of cancer when I was a baby and lost and eye but now I'm a strong successful woman with a wonderful husband. If you are ever interested in speaking with me or my mother about our journey we'd be very happy to chat and answer any questions you may have. Safe travels.
ReplyDeleteJennifer
What an encouraging story for the family Jennifer ! I don't know you but am so happy that your life turned out well :).
DeleteI'm sorry to hear of your family's unfortunate events. I have looked online and have found over 100 home/condo locations in downtown Toronto for $2000 and under a month for rent. 6 or 12 month lease. Some furnished and some not. Most places charge electric and cable. Rest is included. You can also check Roomorama. I personally have used this website to rent weeks and months at times and found it to be pretty useful and safe. You can rent for however months you'd like. The website is showing there are over 30 locations in downtown, costing as low as $50/night for 5 adults. That's $1500 a month. All locations are furnished. You can also give them a call to perhaps reduce rent since it'll be a long 6 months stay. Most will budge and probably give discount. As they have done for me in the pass when staying longer then a month.
ReplyDeleteI hope this helped a little in search for you and your family's temp home. I can help look into locations in more details if you'd like.
I wish your boys the best of luck in their treatments! I can only imagine how hard this must be. As I have lost my mother to cancer.
Best wishes,
Kim
Just wanted you to know your precious boys have been put on our prayer list......there is an army of people praying for you....stay strong! Best wishes from the Maritimes..
ReplyDeleteThinking of your family and wishing you the best of luck through this experience. I hope that you find somewhere near by to stay. If you require any social media assistance to help spread the word, please contact me as I am happy to help! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteOnce you come to Toronto, I'd be honoured to bring your family a hot meal and some homemade snacks to keep you going throughout the day.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI'm over the pond in England and come across your blog via facebook. Reading all the comments giving you suggestions and the generous offers people have made in helping you with accommodation filled my heart with warmth, so yours must be overflowing with warmth. All I can offer is my love, support and positive thoughts to see you and your family through this most horrendous time.
Amy
I was wondering if you are LDS?
ReplyDeletePraying for y'all, May God bless you with strength and endurance
Loving thoughts
from The Martins
Edmonton
Yes they are.
DeletePrayers for all of you
ReplyDeleteXo
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI spent all last night reading your blog and it brought back lots of memories. My son was diagnosed with RB in November 2013. I have seen your family in the waiting room during EUA days (never felt right in starting a conversation) we usually have the same schedule as we are currently doing laser. I cannot lie Chemo sucks. It was not the two days of chemo but the following weeks side affects that were harder to deal with. Good news is Dr. Chan and her team are wonderful and the nurses at 8d are mostly great. Be involved with the medications and make sure you record them down. Dr. Chan protocol is specific and not all nurses get to practice it all the time so you have to be aware and awake. You must be your child's advocate.
In terms of housing if you have a car some commute is not so bad. Ideally downtown is better but if there is no other option then consider doing some commute. Remember the two days of chemo are where you are in the hospital ( I am making assumption here) is the chemo as outpatient? If so then those two days are long but you can drive in after traffic and leave the hospital after rush hour ended.
The remaining 9 days you mostly home unless something goes wrong (again I am assuming you will have the same protocol but if not correct then ignore me ) you do however come in for blood work ( finger poke)
I am so glad you have great support system and that your faith is so strong. Those two things will take you a long way.
Let me know if I can help in any way.
P.s. While doing the hearing test do breastfeed. Makes easier.