Gregor is a 21 month old boy who was diagnosed with High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Subtype Pre-B in October of 2010. Gregor has spent the majority of time since then in hospital. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the white blood cells, the cells in the body that normally fight infections. High risk means that more aggressive treatment is required to achieve remission. Gregor has had a plethora of health problems since birth. He was born with Down syndrome and several congenital heart defects. Gregor later developed Juvenile Diabetes and Interstitial Tubular Nephritis of the kidneys. All of these conditions make negotiating his treatment protocol much more complicated. The incidence of leukemia in Down syndrome patients is 20-fold higher than that in the general population. Patients with Down syndrome and leukemia have unique clinical features and significant differences in treatment response compared to patients without Down syndrome.

One of the challenges faced in treating children with Down syndrome and leukemia is balancing curative therapy against potential toxicities and subsequent vulnerability to infection. The main cause of morbidity and mortality in children with Down syndrome are complications related to chemotherapy, in particular the drugs methotrexate and ARA-C. Gregor is currently in the Consolidation phase of his treatment protocol. He is currently receiving both methotrexate and ARA-C and has been very ill. The prognosis for children with ALL and Down syndrome is less favourable than the general population. Gregor's name means 'watchful' and 'vigilent' which is what everyone involved in his treatment and care has to constantly remain.

Gregor has three and a half years of chemotherapy ahead of him. Loss of income is inevitable and costs associated with having a medically fragile child undergoing intensive chemotherapy treatment are not inexpensive. Costs include gas, parking, medical equipment, prescriptions and respite care.

This little boy and his family need our help and the community’s support. A trust fund has been set up in Gregor's name, RBC Bedford Transit#00883 Account# 5252879.

Alternatively, please consider making a donation to the Daniel McLellan Memorial Fund, IWK Health Centre Foundation or the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, or consider registering with One Match Stem Cell and Marrow Network through Canadian Blood Services. We are also encouraging people to a local charity that raises money to pay for insulin pumps for children, the Emily Fund. Their contact info is 44 Brook Street, Fletchers Lake, N.S. B2T 1A5.

Not only did hundreds of people participate in yesterday's Family Fun Day to support the Gillis Family in Fall River but everyone's generosity and community spirit resulted in $15,500 raised to help this family during this very difficult period. Gregor's parents, Melanie & Duncan Gillis were able to leave the hospital for a few hours (something they have not been able to do together for weeks) and were overwhelmed by how many people were there with their families. It was really heartwarming for the organizers to see them there and their wonderful daughter, Brynn, having so much fun.

And thank you for supporting Gregor and the Gillis family. Your support and participation is very sincerely appreciated.