Mac has not been able to live a normal, innocent life of a child since the time he was 4 years old. He has had more needles than many adults will ever have in their lifetime. He is a brave young man who has faced all of these challenges without so much as a complaint. Since his chemo and radiation, he has faced many challenges such as learning disabilities, memory loss, growth problems, hearing problems, etc. He has faced these challenges with his head held higher than any adult could hope to. He has been an inspiration to all who have met him and is a great example of the word “courage”.
In July 2001 Mac underwent a routine MRI. The MRI showed that Mac had a tumor again on his brain. He had surgery on July 24, 2001 to remove the tumor and it was diagnosed again as Medulla Blastoma.
Mac has had many side effects from the surgery itself; seizures, memory loss, and has lost the function of his left leg and left arm. Mac’s doctors hope this will improve with time.
Mac’s family has been told by his doctors that this type of cancer is very aggressive and will return if Mac does not receive the most aggressive type of chemotherapy available. The doctors have said that this type of chemo would kill a normal cancer free person. Mac will need to travel to Calgary, Alberta and stay there during the chemotherapy treatment.
Unfortunately, this chemotherapy drug is terribly expensive ($2000 per month) and it is uncertain how long Mac will require this treatment. This will depend on how he responds to the treatment. In addition to the cost of the chemo drug, the family will incur costs for living away from home for such a long period. Due to the nature of the drug and the effect it may have on Mac, his family is required to live within a very short distance of the hospital, which eliminates the options of staying with friends who live too far from the medical facility.
Mac’s friends in town would like to help somehow. Typically, meals would be sent to the home, babysitting would be done, and hospital visits could be made. Due to the distance between the Sobie’s and Oakbank, there are not many ways we can help.
This being the case, a BENEFIT SOCIAL is planned for August 25, 2001 at the Oakbank Arena. There will be entertainment, dancing, great prizes, silent auctions, and lots of fun! The proceeds of the social will help out with the costs of the treatment. Hopefully, one of the Sobie’s will be able to attend the social.
If you wish to purchase tickets or make a donation, please call Susan at 444-3758 or Jocelyn at 444- 4437.
We understand that many people do not support socials. If you wish to make a donation to this, these will be welcome also. Any prizes for silent auctions would also be appreciated.
On July 26, 2001 several streets on Oakbank left their outside lights on all night as a night light vigil. We would like to thank everyone who participated in this. If you did not receive a mailer about this, we apologize. Due to time constraints, we could not deliver to all streets in town. A video was done of the lights, messages were recorded, and prayers were made. This video was sent to the Sobie’s for Mac to watch in the hospital. EVEN THE ARENA LIGHTS WERE ON!!! AWESOME GUYS!!!!!
We would appreciate your support at the social and look forward to seeing you at the social to support and celebrate for Mac and his family.