Your Support Makes a Difference for Young Manitobans with Cancer

Life has changed a lot for 14-year-old Haydence over the last two and a half years. Being diagnosed with cancer is scary and overwhelming. She stays strong with the loving support of her brother Antoine.
In the summer of 2020, Haydence - just 12 years old at the time - began feeling unwell and noticed changes in her overall health. By September, she had become so weak that she went to the Thompson General Hospital, where she underwent blood tests. What came next was shocking and unexpected. Haydence and her family were told that she would need to go to Winnipeg immediately to see an oncologist.

Within a few days, Haydence was diagnosed with a combination of acute lymphocytic and acute myeloid leukemia. She was admitted to the hospital in Winnipeg and started chemotherapy immediately. Undergoing cancer treatment at any time is extremely challenging for patients and their families - going through it at the height of the pandemic is even harder. Visitors and movement throughout the hospital was very limited and, in many cases, restricted. One of the hardest parts for Haydence was not being able to go outside. Her brother Antoine remained by her side, only leaving the hospital room to shower or get something to eat.
What came next was a bone marrow transplant that was critical to her overall treatment plan being successful. Fortunately, one of her siblings was a match. The process was long and painful, but the bone marrow that Haydence received from her sister saved her life.
Over the last two years, Haydence and Antione have spent a lot of time in the hospital. Tests, blood transfusions and chemotherapy are a regular part of their lives. There have been many times when Antoine has called CancerCare Manitoba at all hours of the day and night out of concern for his sister. The staff are always available and supportive as they help them navigate Haydence's treatment and recovery.
Today, Haydence's cancer is in remission. She continues to take daily immunosuppression medication to ensure that her new stem cells are happy. To stay positive and keep her mind active during recovery, Haydence stays connected with a couple of close friends from home, and she enjoys playing video games and loves to draw and write. She's looking forward to starting school again once she feels strong enough to do so.
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This November marks the Winnipeg Jets' 11th Hockey Fights Cancer (HFC) campaign. Fans have generously raised more than $1 million over the previous 10 HFC campaigns to help local kids just like Haydence receive care in Manitoba. Fans can support this year's campaign in numerous ways at Jets games and from home, including by purchasing
HFC Raffle
tickets for one of eight warmup-worn or issued Jets HFC jerseys, by purchasing mystery signed HFC pucks and mini sticks on the concourse at Jets games, or by donating at
biggestfans.ca
or texting CARE to 20222 (to donate $10 or $20).