When GP was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at the age of two, his family’s world split in two: the “before” and the “after.” Suddenly, their days were defined by hospital rooms, isolation, and procedures like lumbar punctures that no child should ever have to face. In his first year alone, GP spent more than 170 days as an inpatient at SickKids, with long stretches where leaving the hospital felt impossible.
What his family came to learn is that children with Down syndrome face a much higher risk of leukemia. They are 33 times more likely to develop ALL and 150 times more likely to develop Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). For GP’s parents, this was more than a statistic — it was their lived reality. Yet through it all, GP showed a strength that left everyone around him in awe. His joy, resilience, and openness carried him through treatment, with a smile that lit up even the hardest days.
In 2018, GP’s first day of Junior Kindergarten arrived — a day his mom had both dreamed of and dreaded. Terrified to send him after so much time in hospital, she also knew this milestone meant he could be a child again: making new friends, playing, and learning. While most parents marked the first day of school with photos and backpacks, GP’s family carried a deeper perspective — thinking of the children still in hospital, and those who might never have this chance.
On September 14, 2022, after years of perseverance, GP finally rang the end-of-treatment bell. Tired from a long night in the hospital but determined to finish strong, he stood with his parents and oncology team as they presented him with a crystal cube engraved with the words: “For distinguished acts of strength, bravery, and perseverance.” His smile soon gave way to tears — a mix of relief, emotion, and the weight of a journey finally closing. For his parents, it was a moment they had prayed for.
Today, GP is five years cancer free and excited to be heading into grade 6. His family celebrates this milestone with gratitude, and they feel a deep responsibility to raise awareness and support for the children still fighting, while honouring the memory of those no longer with us. Because true awareness happens when families share their stories — and GP’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the golden moments that make life extraordinary.
GP’s Story Continues: Six Years Cancer-Free and Heading Into Grade 7
When GP was diagnosed with leukemia at just two years old, his family could not have imagined how much they would one day treasure the ordinary moments of childhood.
This year, GP is heading into Grade 7 and celebrating six years cancer-free.
There have been so many milestones to celebrate this year: GP participated in a Special Olympics race, took his first family vacation since diagnosis, started learning to swim and is preparing to celebrate his Confirmation.
For a family that once spent more than 170 days in the hospital during GP’s first year of treatment, these moments carry a special kind of joy. And for his mom, Sabrina, watching him grow into a more independent young person has been one of the greatest gifts.
“Our biggest win this year was celebrating six years cancer-free for GP. Six years is a huge milestone for our family, and it’s hard to put into words what that means to us,” says GP’s mom, Sabrina.
But even as GP regains the ordinary parts of childhood, he continues to have medical appointments, bloodwork and follow-ups, which can often bring back difficult memories for him and his parents.
Today though, they are celebrating the big milestones, the little ones and everything in between.
“Seeing GP getting ready to go into Grade 7 is something I’m incredibly grateful for. These are the kinds of milestones that I think you appreciate in a completely different way after going through childhood cancer.” – GP’s mom, Sabrina
For GP’s family, back to school is a reminder of how far he has come, and of all the moments his parents once hoped they would get to see.