Meet Chad
Chad’s Dream is to visit the Kennedy Space Centre!
Dream Kid Chad is a typical 13-year-old with a great sense of humour. Chad loves music - his mom tells us that hard rock is often blaring from Chad’s room.
But Chad has been through more than most teenagers. When Chad was just 10, he was diagnosed with Hodgekin’s Lymphoma after doctors investigated a lump in his neck. He was all set to start chemo when he was presented the option of surgery.
Chad was the first child in Canada to have this type of cancer treated surgically. He woke up on his 11th birthday, cancer free!
However, after a routine CT scan, doctors found that his cancer was back and in multiple places. The only option for treatment this time was chemotherapy.
Pictured: Dream Kid Chad has stayed strong and flexible through his chemotherapy treatment.
Chad went through six rounds of treatment. “Chad handled this whole experience amazingly,” his mom told us. “His outlook is, ‘okay, I have cancer now. What’s next?’ He’s been very flexible through it all.”
Chad had his last treatment in January 2022. It took a while for his immune system to recover, but by the summer, he was able to be outside with friends and family.
He’s also looking forward to his Dream come true! Chad’s Dream is to visit the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida! He’s very interested in the science behind the rockets there, and he’s especially excited to see the exhibit for Apollo 11, which was what first got him interested in space.
A Message from Casera Credit Union:
One of Casera Credit Union's core values is supporting programs that enhance the communities we live, work, and play in. The Dream Factory is an organization we’re proud to support because its work lifts the spirits of families with children facing medical hardships.
Casera is honoured to team up with The Dream Factory in 2023 to make a special dream come true for Chad, a St. Vital boy with an adventuresome spirit and a cool Dream to visit the Kennedy Space Station.
Casera's goal is to turn May into Chad's Month of Dreams. Please help us make his Dream come true.