On December 29, 2009 my son Brandon, 15 years old, was diagnosed with Leukemia (Acute Lymphoid Leukemia).

Brandon's treatment is for a total of three years. The treatment so far has been difficult for Brandon and the rest of our family. We have spent more days at the hospital than at home since he was diagnosed. He not only has had to deal with the cancer, but has also had many complications along the way, including blood clots, pneumonia, RSV and white matter lesions on the brain. To complicate matters even further, Brandon has Down Syndrome along with a conductive hearing loss that has affected his speech to the point where very few can communicate with him.

While spending our first three weeks in the hospital, the Paediatric Oncology Unit had a "T-shirt logo contest". Brandon and I entered the competition. Much to our surprise, Brandon's logo was chosen by the nurses as the winning entry.

The logo was printed on t-shirts which are being worn by the nurses until the next annual t-shirt logo contest. We were so excited about the t-shirt that we asked how we could acquire one as well. We were told that they are for staff only!

Since we can use the logo ourselves, we decided to start selling t-shirts, donating all the proceeds to the "Kids with Cancer Society".

We chose to benefit this Society as they have been a great support to Brandon and the rest of our family during this difficult time. The donations they receive go to the Northern Alberta Children's cancer program (area 4E3 & 4E2) located at the Children's Hospital as well as cancer research programs.

Some of the programs offered by the society include a pizza night, camp, a Christmas party, beaded journey, procedure prizes, child life specialist, social workers and more. Brandon and I have benefited greatly from all of the services that they provide. The Child Life Specialist has been of particular value to me.

Without their support I do not know that I could have coped with the treatment so far or have the strength to continue my son's journey with cancer.

Please help Brandon and I reach our goal of selling 500 t-shirts. The t-shirts cost $20 and come in a variety of colors and sizes. Please see the color chart and sizes below.

You can contact myself directly at 780-410-9135 or via e-mail at purcha@telusplanet.net.

Thank you for your heart-felt generosity!

Colleen Purcha


The price of the t-shirt is $20.
Available in 12 different colors.
Range in size from youth medium up to adult 3xl.