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THUNDER BAY — Thunder Bay residents are rallying behind a local family facing the prospect of a prolonged absence from home because of multiple medical challenges.
Earlier this month, city resident Jenna Wade (Burgsteden) received a life-changing diagnosis while she was pregnant with her third child.
After learning she had Stage 4 colon cancer, she was airlifted to Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital on Apr. 7 for specialized care and treatment.
Ten days later, her son Sawyer was born prematurely, weighing just two pounds eight ounces after 28 weeks gestation.
He required surgery and remains in the neo-natal intensive care unit of The Hospital for Sick Children.
"He's getting stronger every day," a family spokesperson says.
Family members describe Sawyer's birth as "this little miracle," but say the road for his and his mother's ongoing treatment is a long one.
Wade's brother-in-law, Kyle Rogers, said Thursday that she is still in Mount Sinai's ICU following surgery.
"She's had some complications but is recovering now. The hope is to start chemotherapy in the next couple of days," he said. "There's no timeline. She's in the early stages of what looks to be a very long battle. The goal is to keep mother and baby together for the entirety."
Wade and her husband Tyler have two other young children.
The cost of child care, transportation for various family members back and forth between Thunder Bay and Toronto, their accommodations, meals and medical expenses is significant.
A GoFundMe campaign has been organized to reduce the family's burden.
In just over 48 hours, over $100,000 was collected from 700 donors, toward a goal of $125,000.
Rogers said the family is amazed by the amount of support.
"There's really no words to describe it. The entire family, especially Jenna, is overwhelmed by the love and generosity of the community. She's garnering strength from this...It's been very special."
He added that people can also help "by sending Jenna positive vibes. She's in it for the long haul – it's going to be a fight – but I think it's important to stay positive."
