When 12-year-old Felix came down with what seemed like a common virus, his parents, Priscilla and Brian, never imagined how quickly their lives would change.
After weeks of on-and-off symptoms and an initial misdiagnosis of constipation, an ultrasound revealed a large abdominal mass, and Felix was transferred to Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre. Within 24 hours, he received a diagnosis of Burkitt’s lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.
Everything moved quickly. “It felt like we blinked and suddenly we were in hospital, hearing words like chemotherapy and oncology,” Priscilla remembers. “We didn’t even have time to process what was happening.”
Because of how advanced the cancer was, treatment had to begin immediately. Felix was admitted that same day and didn’t return home for several months. His chemotherapy regimen would be one of the most intensive outside of brain cancer treatment, back-to-back rounds over five months, with little reprieve. Over 177 days from diagnosis to discharge! That’s a long time for any 12-year-old.
But through it all, Felix remained the thoughtful, selfless boy his family knew and loved. “Even when he was struggling, he worried more about us and his 5 siblings,” said Brian. “When he was diagnosed, he handed his mother tissues, and he always made sure I ate breakfast before he did.” Through it all he remained the most encouraging of the family.
A Community Wrapped Around Them
The family found strength in their circle of support. Their church, friends, neighbours, and co-workers, all rallied to help. From childcare and groceries and house cleaning to gas cards and more than 100 delivered meals, the Wards never had to face the journey alone. They put their faith in their religious beliefs and leaned into the resources and support that was available via Children’s. One foot in front of the other – and with their strong faith, got the entire family through each day.
At the hospital, the care was equally compassionate. “Every nurse, every doctor, every child life specialist – they didn’t just treat Felix, they treated all of us like family,” said Priscilla.
Felix formed a special bond with Ollie, the therapeutic clown, who helped bring moments of laughter even on hard days. Supported through programs funded by Children’s Health Foundation, Child Life and Therapeutic Clowning gave Felix ways to stay joyful, even in the face of pain and isolation.
And when the food in hospital didn’t measure up to his homecooked standards, Felix joked about joining the kitchen team one day to bring “real love” to the meals.
Celebration on the Rooftop
One of the most memorable moments of Felix’s cancer journey came in the middle of treatment, when the family organized a surprise rooftop rally on top of the hospital’s parking garage, which was literally outside Felix’s window. More than 150 friends, family members, and hospital staff gathered, many shaving their heads in solidarity. It was even covered by CTV.
Felix was able to come outside briefly, free of his IV pole for the first time in weeks. “That day lit him up from the inside out,” Priscilla shared. “He got to see a glimpse of how many people were cheering him on.”
Powered by Generosity
Thanks to donor support through Children’s Health Foundation, Felix and his family had access to programs and services that made an enormous difference.
A new pharmacist position funded by a donor family ensured medications were safely administered. CADD infusion pumps, purchased with Foundation support, allowed Felix to receive advanced treatment for Burkitt’s lymphoma. Ollie the Therapeutic Clown, art and music therapy, the Smile Room, the Teen Room and Child Life services gave Felix moments of joy, and his parents a bit of peace.
“These aren’t just extras,” Brian said. “They are great resources that helped ease the burden. These programs were a blessing to Felix and gave him the opportunity to stay a kid while fighting something no child should have to face.” Felix focused on the good – even on his worst days, and they strongly believe this provided strength and hope to get past the treatments and a good prognosis.
Holding Onto Hope
Throughout the entire experience, Felix showed incredible resilience. Whether making espressos for the night nurses with his personal coffee machine or planning a future as a therapeutic clown, or hospital chef – he met each day with courage, gratitude and hope.
The family strongly agrees that Hope lives at Children’s. The family said, “Our faith allowed us to see the rich blessings at Children’s Hospital. It truly allowed us to be thankful in all circumstances and celebrate all the victories, even the small ones.” “Even when things were hardest, we found light,” said Priscilla. “Sometimes that light came from the people around us. Sometimes it was a nurse, or a smile, a moment of private prayer or a kind word from a stranger. But it was always there.”
Felix is now in recovery and celebrated his 13th birthday with a joyful, love-filled party surrounded by friends and family. His journey isn’t over, but he has already shown what it means to be brave, hopeful, and deeply loved.
