Samuel’s Story

Site created on May 2, 2020

It's hard to believe that just days ago, our Samuel was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma, a fast-moving cancer that targets the immune system and requires immediate and aggressive chemotherapy. It's even harder to believe that this started just a few weeks ago when Samuel, out of the blue, began to experience intense pain and discomfort in his legs and back. After numerous doctor's visits, Rachel and Scott finally found answers at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario where Samuel was admitted and began treatment almost immediately. While so many questions remain unanswered, it is certain that Samuel is in good hands in both body and soul. Samuel's treatment plan will have him spending 1 week at the hospital for every 3 weeks at home for at least six months. And while Samuel is as strong as they come, even the strongest among us needs to feel the love of community, God, and family. 

It is with that in mind that I ask you to support Rachel and Scott during this time of great shock and sadness.  Please visit this CaringBridge site to find out how you can help by sending them a message, saying a prayer, or, if you are able, donating your time and/or talents to help Rachel and Scott manage both home life and hospital life. 

On the Planner tab, you'll see slots to sign up for meals, lawn care assistance, and house cleaning help (all the dates and times are flexible so it's whatever works for you). On the GoFundMe page, you can donate to help cover costs related to transportation to the hospital, services such as child care, and care packages for Samuel. But if this is all too much (especially now during a pandemic...), Rachel and Scott ask for your heartfelt, sincere prayers for Samuel's speedy and complete recovery. For connecting with friends and family, Scott and Rachel prefer mail sent to their home address and video calls using What's App under Scott's profile. 


Rachel and Scott are some of the best people we all know, and each of us has been witness to their kindness, faith, and hospitality. Now it's our turn to show the love - the love we have for great friends and a beautiful boy fighting for his life.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Rachel Leblanc

Time is slipping between my fingers. I feel like I'm running behind them all trying to catch them but they are just beyond my fingertips. Today we celebrate a big day in our journey! Samuel had his last monthly scan, bloodwork and checkup! He is 1yr disease free! Praise God! We now transition out of the active oncology clinic into the short term oncology clinic... it's a big deal. MRI, ultrasound and bloodwork every 3 months for the next year. Samuel is doing amazing...We live everyday grateful for our faith, and I surrender to His plan for our clan.

Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Samuel Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Samuel's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top