Ronan’s Cancer Fight & Dreams Fund

In August 2018, our family received news that turned our world upside-down. My gentle, soft spoken, considerate, smart, athletic, 12 year old nephew was diagnosed with a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a terminal, inoperable brain tumour in the brain stem. Ronan's life expectancy is measured in months now, but we hope to beat the average and make these months memorable for him and his family. He will complete a round of radiation therapy, and that will hopefully shrink the tumour temporarily and gain some precious time.

My name is Karla Rice, and I have set up this fundraiser for my sister Sarah Jane, her husband Mark, and their sons Ronan and Aidan.

There are no words that can describe the complete and utter shock, grief and helplessness that Sarah Jane, Mark and their entire family felt when hearing this news. Knowing that their son, a sweet, kind boy with unlimited potential will never grow up is an unbearable thought. His little brother Aidan will have to live his life without the support and love of his big brother. They will never reach those milestones together that we assumed would be a part of their lives. His grandparents, cousins, aunties, uncles, friends and countless others will forever be impacted by his life.

The remaining time with Ronan is so very precious. While he undergoes his radiation treatments, and we hope to hear of a new, promising treatment that might be discovered, we are trying to turn our focus on making his life be the absolute best it can be in the time we have left. There is a lifetime of experiences and memories to create in a few short months, while also having to plan for the additional costs for his medical and at home care in the months to come.

So many people who know him, struggle with trying to figure out how they can help. Most of us want to help Ronan fulfill his dreams and ensure not a single moment is wasted - to make Ronan's life as full, happy and comfortable as possible. Sarah Jane and Mark’s colleagues, friends and extended family have been asking about a go fund me page. The outpouring of support has been amazing, and Sarah Jane and Mark are so thankful for the thoughts, prayers and support for Ronan and their family. This fundraiser will help them make a lifetime of memories for Ronan and their family, and to provide for him the help and care he needs in his battle with cancer.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support.

Karla