A family bond from the beginning
GUEST BLOG – Madeline Salerno, Coordinator, Brand Marketing & Communications, SickKids FoundationIn July 2012, Michael Went and Doug Kerr met the little boy who would turn their two-person family into three. Two-year-old Malaki came from Simcoe County to Toronto to live with his new foster parents. The three of them instantly bonded – Michael and Doug were in love with their new family dynamic.
Their lives changed for the better. Malaki was full of energy and spirit. But only three months later their lives changed again. In October 2012, Malaki began losing his energy and the couple knew there was something wrong. On October 23, Malaki was diagnosed with leukemia and the family took him to where he needed to be – SickKids.
Malaki was facing a battle with the most common form of childhood cancer. Approximately 45 per cent of new cancer diagnoses at SickKids are leukemia and lymphoma. Doug describes the first six months of this journey as difficult and scary. There were numerous drugs, needles and cycles of chemotherapy involved. However, Malaki responded well and was usually his happy self despite the side effects. He lost his hair and would feel weak but only rarely lost his appetite. Doug recalls him asking for a bowl of spaghetti after waking up from treatment.
Michael and Doug were working with social services to officially adopt Malaki while he was going through his first six months of treatment. In December 2012, the adoption was legally approved and in the summer of 2013 Michael and Doug went in front of a judge to sign the paperwork.
Although it was a while before their family was officially on-paper, Malaki fit right in since day one.
“While it was awful that Malaki was diagnosed just a few months after we started fostering him, being at SickKids so much those first few months really helped us bond as a family. He attached very quickly to us during those early hospital stays. It really became just part of our new life as a family,” said Doug.
Malaki is currently halfway through his three-year-long treatment and still visits SickKids frequently. “Everyone at SickKids has been so supportive, so encouraging, so warm and welcoming, that sometimes the hardest part of a hospital visit is leaving - our son is just having too much fun,” said Michael. Malaki participates in craft activities and plays on the iPads and video games with the volunteers. He has also made note of the free snack days and makes sure to stop by to get a treat.
“One thing I love about being at SickKids is seeing so many other families there helping our kids through their treatment. All of us facing cancer are going through some pretty scary stuff, but you feel the support and encouragement from everyone at the hospital,” said Doug.
The meaning of family keeps Doug and Michael by Malaki’s side throughout his journey. And it will keep them there throughout his life.
This family day weekend, the Kerr-Went family takes a moment to think about what family means to them.
“Family is about being present, especially when needed the most,” says Michael. “It’s about creating a space to feel safe, secure and loved no matter what.”
What does family mean to you?
From our SickKids family to yours - have a healthy, happy and safe Family Day!
Although it was a while before their family was officially on-paper, Malaki fit right in since day one.
"You feel the support and encouragement from everyone at the hospital."
Malaki is currently halfway through his three-year-long treatment and still visits SickKids frequently. “Everyone at SickKids has been so supportive, so encouraging, so warm and welcoming, that sometimes the hardest part of a hospital visit is leaving - our son is just having too much fun,” said Michael. Malaki participates in craft activities and plays on the iPads and video games with the volunteers. He has also made note of the free snack days and makes sure to stop by to get a treat.
“One thing I love about being at SickKids is seeing so many other families there helping our kids through their treatment. All of us facing cancer are going through some pretty scary stuff, but you feel the support and encouragement from everyone at the hospital,” said Doug.
The meaning of family keeps Doug and Michael by Malaki’s side throughout his journey. And it will keep them there throughout his life.
This family day weekend, the Kerr-Went family takes a moment to think about what family means to them.
“Family is about being present, especially when needed the most,” says Michael. “It’s about creating a space to feel safe, secure and loved no matter what.”
What does family mean to you?
From our SickKids family to yours - have a healthy, happy and safe Family Day!
