Eli Perry was only three months old when he was diagnosed with a rare form of adult leukemia.
The Campbell River boy is now nine months old and has spent all but one week of the ensuing months at Vancouver Children’s Hospital with his mother.
He is now facing a bone marrow transplant, which is set for Aug. 20. Following the transplant, for which one of his big brother’s will be the donor, he and mom will enter 100 days of virtual isolation for his recovery, to protect him from any kind of infection.
As Eli is the youngest of eight children, dad has stepped up to the plate to keep house and home for this large and lovely family. An entirely new role for him to undertake, having been the sole breadwinner until now, his efforts are truly impressive.
Meanwhile, as mom is an integral part of his medical team, the family has spent a great deal of time apart, traveling as often as they are able, to keep mom and Eli from being too lonely over in the hospital in the big city.
In response to hearing this story, the management and staff of Superstore, headed by Gary Ogrodnick, have decided to hold a barbecue fundraiser on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
They would like to invite the wonderful city of Campbell River to come out to support family and friends during difficult times.
On behalf of the Perry family and the many, many others whom you have helped in the past, thank-you once again for all of your kindness and support. You are what makes this city the place we are all so proud, happy and blessed to call home.
If you would like to follow Eli’s progress, his uncle has created a blog: eliperry.wordpress.com