Heartbreaking Loss Sparks Hope

A month before he was set to celebrate his second birthday, tragedy struck for the Kissner family from Port Coquitlam. Their vibrant young son, Isaiah, began showing signs of severe illness, starting with sudden vomiting that left his parents, Cassia and Jon, deeply concerned. Assuming it might simply be a stomach flu, they initially settled for a hospital diagnosis that would prove to be far too simplistic.

As Isaiah’s condition worsened — with symptoms including difficulty walking and increased lethargy — the family refused to accept vague explanations. Armed with parental intuition, they made multiple trips back to the hospital, culminating in a life-altering CT scan that revealed a brain tumor in February 2021.

A Challenging Treatment Journey

Isaiah’s treatment journey was fraught with challenges. The initial rounds of medical intervention transformed the spirited toddler into a shadow of himself. However, Cassia and Jon refused to be defeated. They researched alternative therapies and nutrition, deciding to provide Isaiah with a holistic approach to battle his illness.

Working alongside Hanna Rakowska, an oncology nutritionist and cancer survivor, the family adopted a nutrient-rich, plant-based diet and explored alternative therapies such as Vitamin C IV drips, red light therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen treatments. They also made significant lifestyle changes, employing non-toxic cleaning products and outfitting Isaiah in organic clothing.

Isaiah's Spirit and Legacy

Cassia describes Isaiah as a little warrior, always finding joy amidst the pain, playing with his beloved toy trucks and spending cherished moments with his older sister, Hannah. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, Isaiah succumbed to his illness just shy of his fifth birthday last December.

Trucks of Hope: Supporting Families

In memory of their son, the Kissners founded Trucks of Hope, a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting families facing the hardships of childhood cancer. This Saturday, September 28, they are hosting their first fundraiser in Port Coquitlam to provide starter kits valued at around $200 to Canadian families dealing with similar battles. Each kit is packed with vital resources, including a tailored food guide created by Rakowska, recipes aimed at fighting cancer, and essential wellness products.

The starter kits are designed not only to provide nutritional guidance but also practical tools to support families caring for young cancer patients. At their inaugural event, which aims to raise $3,000 for these kits, attendees can look forward to guest speakers, healthy food samples, and exciting door prizes.

The Need for Support

With a stark realization that only 3.8% of cancer funding is allocated to pediatric cases, Cassia emphasizes the urgent need for additional support. Currently, 350 children are undergoing treatment at BC Children's Hospital while another 1,500 are receiving outpatient care.

Event Details

The fundraiser will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at TriCity Church, located at 2145 Nova Scotia Ave., Port Coquitlam. A minimum $10 donation is requested for entry. Every contribution will help turn grief into hope for families in need, ensuring that no one has to endure the terrifying journey of childhood cancer alone. Join us in honoring Isaiah’s memory and supporting the fight against pediatric cancer!