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Dwight is 17 years old. While playing football one spring he was tackled and hit in the groin. Due to the subsequent discomfort and swelling, he was taken to the hospital as a precaution. What seemed like a relatively innocent injury turned out to be something much more serious. After a battery of tests, Dwight was admitted to the hospital within days of the injury for surgery. What they discovered after draining excessive fluids around the testicle and testing a damaged part of the organ that was removed frightened everyone. Dwight was diagnosed with a Germ Cell Tumour, or in other words, cancer.
Treatment was swift and aggressive. After ensuring that Dwight was fit for travel, he was rushed off to Alberta Children’s Hospital by air ambulance for emergency surgery. He had the affected organ removed, leaving room for a prosthesis later on. A chemoport implant was connected to an artery directly above his heart to allow for administration of chemotherapy drugs. Test after test helped to build a baseline to chart his response to the cocktail of drugs; bone scans, audiograms, pulmonary functionality, etc. Throughout the duration of treatment Dwight was subjected to regular evaluations, some more invasive than others.
In early fall, Dwight had surgery to remove the chemoport and receive a prosthesis. He has been cancer free ever since! He is a survivor. Regular visits to Calgary still take place to ensure that no complications arise and that he does not have a relapse. This ongoing evaluation will continue for 10 years.
Upon meeting the Children’s Wish Foundation, Dwight’s first request was to do something for the family of a roommate that passed away while he was in the hospital. His selflessness and generosity humbled many.
After working through a variety of options for Dwight, it was decided that he and his family would attend the ProBowl in Hawaii. They were treated to a number of exciting events from VIP parties to city and country tours. One of the highlights of the trip for Dwight was meeting some of the NFL all-stars and posing for photos with cheerleading squads.
Dwight has commented that the wonderful trip represented a new beginning, and an end to the trauma he and his family faced wile battling the disease. He is a role model for many others that face the ravages of cancer. He has taken on the associated challenges with courage and a positive attitude. We’re glad that he is now healthy and strong and are grateful for the opportunity to recognize his fight by fulfilling his heart felt wish.
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