Timmins is gearing up for more live music this weekend, but this time, it’s for a cause.
Kayge Fowler is a six-year-old boy who lives in Sault Ste. Marie with his parents Paul and Mandy Fowler. Kayge has diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).
“It is often called the last incurable pediatric cancer,” said Paul.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, DIPG is an aggressive tumour that starts in the brain stem and grows to other parts of the brain.
When Kayge was diagnosed with DIPG, the doctors recommended radiation treatment to prolong his life, but they were clear that it would not save Kayge. Paul remembers being told by doctors, “Radiation will relieve some of his symptoms temporarily so you can go home and make memories.”
Paul watched his son slowly slip away under radiation.
“Less than one week into radiation he lost the ability to walk,” he said. “Then he lost mobility in his left hand/arm. Then he lost the ability to talk. Then swallowing alone became a struggle. We almost lost him a couple times from choking.”
His family decided to take Kayge for experimental treatments in Mexico.
“He receives treatment in Mexico every four weeks,” Paul said. “Kayge’s medical costs are $25,000 to 28,000 per month.”
The treatment seems to be working.
“He slowly got his voice back, then the left side of his face started to work again, and then, with true grit, hard work and determination, we watched our five-year-old son teach himself how to walk again,” he said.
“Kayge never gives up. Every month we see this tumour shrinking.”
The cost of travel and treatment is taking its toll on the family.
That’s why Rachel Nedeau, a friend of the family who lives in Timmins, decided to hold a fundraiser here to help Kayge and his family.
“That’s a lot of money for treatments, but they are working, and if I can help even a little bit, I will,” said Nedeau.
Nedeau says she was approached by Norman Dwyer, another local resident, who offered to organize a concert fundraiser for Kayge.
“I've been working with this group of local musicians for a few years now,” said Edward, “and had decided it would be nice to try to out one event like this a year.”
The concert will be held at the Victory Tavern on Friday, March 22. Artists in the line-up include The Loners, Paul Sebalj, Kyle Cote, Shaun and Gavin Melanson, Luke Pell, and headliners Coldwater.
Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Nedeau is hoping people in Timmins will come out to support the Fowler family, even if they don’t live in Timmins.
“Mandy did go to Northern College, so she does have ties here,” says Nedeau. “Does it really matter? We are helping a kid!”
