Charles Veilleux
Charles' parents had no idea what was ahead when they went to his yearly medical appointment in June, 2006. Charles' pediatrician diagnosed an abnormal physical growth and sent him to CHEO the following day for tests.  A CT scan confirmed the presence of a cancerous brain tumour. 
             
From that time on, things happened quite rapidly. Charles underwent a total of six series of chemotherapy treatments, three weeks apart. After the second series, an MRI showed that the tumor had shrunk by half in volume and the prognosis looked quite promising. Unfortunately, MRI tests performed after the fourth and sixth series showed very little reduction in tumour size. This disappointing result meant that surgery was required to remove the tumour.

The 13 ½ hour surgery took place on November 15th and was a great success. Just nine days later Charles was home and although he initially had vision and balance problems, he was playing at the park within a couple weeks. Charles, 5, is officially off treatment but is still being followed in the Neuro-Oncology and Endocrinology clinics.

Charles participated in his first Tour Nortel last year when he completed the 2 km walk to raise money for his friends who were still at CHEO.  He is thrilled to represent Tour Nortel this year and looks forward to helping raise more funds for his friends and to honouring the people who made his journey so successful.

Hannayah Germain
What appeared to be a nasty flu became a diagnosis no parent is ever ready to hear. At the beginning of the school year in September 2005 Hannayah was presenting cold and flu symptoms with vomiting and fever but became worse with pains in her legs and heart palpitations. A trip to CHEO changed everything. “When the doctor and several other staff members came into the room together we knew we were in for some bad news,” recalls Hannayah’s dad, Hegmann. Hannayah was admitted and blood work and a bone marrow aspiration confirmed she had Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL).

Her troubles were far from over. During her first week of treatment Hannayah lost her speech and the ability to walk and experienced vomiting and hallucinations – all due to a severe allergic reaction to her medication. With her medication altered, Hannayah was back to being the smiling little girl her parents know and love.

Hannayah then had a port-o-cath (permanent IV) inserted into her upper chest wall. This will remain for her entire protocol and makes administering medications easier with less needles. Hannayah is only 10 years old but she knows how important CHEO is to kids with cancer which is why she’s delighted to be a part of the Dream Team this year.

Kayla Whiteduck
No one suspected that the pain in Kayla's knee could be anything but a sports injury. Kayla Whiteduck, an Algonquin from Kitigan-Zibi First Nation, who played hockey and soccer amongst other sports, began to complain of an intermittent low-grade pain in her left leg.

After Christmas of 2005, x-rays showed peculiar shading where a swelling was starting to emerge. The dreaded possibility of a tumour and cancer was shared with the family. A biopsy confirmed the family’s worst fears. "I don't quite remember those first few weeks, as much of it was a blur. I recall crying a lot in private while searching and praying for answers and hope," says Kayla’s mom, Gina.

Kayla went through 10 months of consistent and intensive chemotherapy. She was hospitalized with a fever and mouth sores on several occasions in between rounds. Kayla also underwent an 11-hour surgery to have her tumour, femur, knee and part of her lower leg bone removed and replaced with a prosthesis inside her leg.

Throughout this difficult period, Kayla stayed exceptionally positive. She re-entered the hospital on each occasion with a warrior-like courage prepared to take on another round of chemo. She completed her last round of chemo just before her 12th birthday in October, 2006. Today, her family could not be happier.

Kayla is very pleased to be involved in Tour Nortel as it promotes fitness while helping CHEO, CandleLighters and Ronald McDonald House.