KAWARTHA LAKES-15 year-old Xander Townsend has passed away.
Xander fought a rare cancer for 11 years. He had a rare condition called Clear Cell Meningioma of the Quadra Equada. At just four years old Xander was the first child in Canada to be diagnosed with a brain tumour growing in his fluid sac at the bottom of his spine according to his dad Derek Townsend.
He underwent two surgeries that were unsuccessful and left him partially paralyzed. He was sent to Florida for Proton Radiation in 2013 and that put the tumour into remission for eight years. Unfortunately, it woke up a month ago and is growing aggressively and at an alarming rate according to his dad.
“The hard part is, the Proton treatment he received in 2013 is the cause of the Cancer. We knew the risk at the time which was 2% unfortunately Xander is in that 2% bracket. He is being moved to Princess Margret. Xander is going to receive the only option they have through radiation every day Monday to Friday starting December 28th for 6 straight weeks. They can not give us a percentage on if the treatment of Radiation will stop the tumour at the least slow it down.” Dad Derek told Kawartha 411 News in 2021.
Read more here: https://www.kawartha411.ca/2021/12/17/fundraising-campaign-set-up-for-family-of-lindsay-boy-with-extremely-rare-life-threatening-cancer/
And here: https://www.kawartha411.ca/2022/01/19/help-hard-to-come-by-for-lindsay-boy-battling-rare-cancer/
Xander passed away in the critical care unit at Sick Kids Hospital today.
“No More Cancer, No More Fear, No More Tears!” said his father Derek on Facebook. “Sleep well my son, you have finally found peace.”
“Shine bright my son” said Jennifer Townsend, Xander’s mom. “Thank you Ronald Macdonald house for lighting the star in honour of Xander.”
A fundraiser planned for the family at 100 Acre Brewing Company in Peterborough on October 12 will go ahead according to organizers.
There will be live music, food, vendors, games and more. They are currently looking for musicians and prizes to help raise money for the family.
Please email [email protected] for information on how you can help.
Our sincere condolences to Jennifer, Derek and the entire family.
