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By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

gofundme

Red Deer teen fighting bone cancer diagnosis at children’s hospital

Oct 18, 2023 | 9:38 AM

A Red Deer teen is fighting in hospital after a sudden diagnosis of Stage 4 osteosarcoma, which is a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer — the same kind Terry Fox had.

Eja Balaricia, 14, should be enjoying Grade 9, but instead she’s at Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary dealing with the devastating diagnosis she received in early September.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with associated costs.

The fundraiser notes Eja, who is passionate about food, music and volleyball as well as her dog Oreo, will be undergoing chemotherapy and surgery over the next eight to ten months, missing her entire school year.

“Eja’s spirit remains unwavering, but the financial burden of this medical battle is taking a toll on her family. Her mother, Jen, has put her career on hold to be Eja’s constant source of support during these trying times,” the GoFundMe notes.

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“Her father, Jon, and younger sister Isla are there as well every moment they can. The costs of treatments, travel, overnight stays, and other unforeseen expenses are mounting.”

The GoFundMe has raised over $16,600 of the $17,500 goal as Oct. 14.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, in 2018, 285 Canadians were diagnosed with bone cancer, 115 (40.3%) of them women.

The Sarcoma Cancer Foundation of Canada notes osteosarcoma is often seen in children and young adults, ages 10-25.

Sarcomas makes up for less than one per cent of all new cancer cases, but soft tissue sarcomas account for about seven per cent of all cancers in children.

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