top of page
SBP CB banner .jpg

Halton Hills Boy Battles Leukaemia

Chris Cassey

Marlon Eldridge is just 10 years old. He is described by Go Fund Me organizer, Esmaralda Pitman, as an active and adventurous kid who was suddenly tired a lot had a fever and eventually developed pain in his arms and legs to the point he could not sleep. They went to the doctor.

Marlon’s mom Shera Dancer explains the call. “That moment when the paediatrician calls and says McMasters ER is expecting you, I want to throw up but I can't breathe, but I can't not breathe because I am hyperventilating and crying. My heart is pounding, I feel light headed and my feet are stuck to the ground. Everything is turned inside out and upside down and I can't go but I can't not go. So, we go and leukaemia is confirmed for Marlon and I just don't know.”


On September 2 Pitman started a Go Fund Me page to help the family. “Shera financially supports the family,” Pitman explains. “I knew there would be emotional and financial trials and tribulations and I wanted to help. Shera works at Sobey’s and is on temporary leave to care for Marlon. The family is humble and community minded.” Pitman and Dancer met nine years ago through their home schooling network which both describe as a “community”.


Pitman’s goal was to raise $15,000 to help the family. To date she has raised just over $20,000. “I’m not sure how to individually thank everyone,” says Dancer. “It’s overwhelming and I’m grateful for sure. I’m shocked and its honestly hard to feel deserving.”


Every day Dancer sends a few words via email to some friends and family. Occasionally Pitman posts these as an update on Marlon’s page.

Marlon is home now undergoing out-patient care which is expected to be two years and three months. For the next couple of weeks he will go back to McMaster twice a week for treatments. “Car rides are tough” says Shera.


Even in these tough times Marlon and Shera are thinking about ways they will be able to give back to the community that supports them.

For updates on Marlon, or to donate, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/marlons-leukemia-battle.




Comments


We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions. Drop us a line and let us know what you think.

Thanks for Your Feedback!

© Acton UP is a website owned and operated by Blame Media Ltd.

bottom of page