By Angela Cowan/B次元官网网址 Staff

To say Maria Bruvold and her family have had a tough year is an understatement.

Their son Owen, who turns three tomorrow (July 19), was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in April 2013, and they spent the rest of that year in front-line treatment, making numerous trips to Vancouver from their home in Langford and spending every moment supporting their son.

Owen was in near complete isolation to protect his compromised immune system. It wasnB次元官网网址檛 until after he began receiving long-term treatment in January that Bruvold and her husband were given the go-ahead by their doctor to get out into the public realm again. They started attending parent support meetings and became involved with the .

Bruvold found out about BCCCPA while in Vancouver, but she wasnB次元官网网址檛 immediately aware there was an Island chapter. Through the program, she and her husband have been able to connect with other families going through the same experiences, and this connection has been vital.

B次元官网网址淭he biggest thing is, I have friends and family, but once youB次元官网网址檝e been through cancer, only other parents who have gone through it too are really going to understand,B次元官网网址� Bruvold said. B次元官网网址淲e donB次元官网网址檛 know each other, but weB次元官网网址檙e kindred spirits.B次元官网网址�

Now that OwenB次元官网网址檚 immune system is strong enough to allow him out in public spaces again, his parents have been taking every opportunity to expand his world beyond the hospital.

Through the Family Support Program, the Bruvolds have gone to Western Speedway, a Victoria Royals hockey game and this summer theyB次元官网网址檙e going on a camping trip for oncology families, sponsored by BCCCPA.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 helped us feel like weB次元官网网址檙e part of B次元官网网址榥ormalB次元官网网址� society again,B次元官网网址� she said.

OwenB次元官网网址檚 long-term treatment is set to continue until June 2016, as the treatment for boys with acute lymphoblastic leukemia is three full years. The Bruvolds, like many other families, will have to deal with loss of income and added medical expenses for some time yet. But with the help of the Family Support Program, they wonB次元官网网址檛 have to go it alone.

The program hopes to raise $50,000 for this yearB次元官网网址檚 budget to provide emergency services to families, financial aid, on-site support and outdoor recreational activities for patients and their families.

Susan Kerr, patient parent liaison on the Island for the association, said the program greatly supports families financially as well as emotionally, noting the majority of families going through treatment are hit hard with costs and loss of income.

B次元官网网址淭he program for me is about letting parents be with their kids and not have to worry about fundraising,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淏reathing room is so important, and weB次元官网网址檙e all breathing the same air.B次元官网网址�

Coast Capital SavingsB次元官网网址� recent donation of $5,000 is a big step toward reaching their goal.

B次元官网网址淚t was a natural step for us to help,B次元官网网址� said Hollie Coulter, chief customer experience officer at the West Shore branch, who presented the donation last week.

The Bruvolds have also taken advantage of the Comfy Kids Program, which provides a safe and clean car to families who have to travel for treatment. B次元官网网址淚t uplifts our spirits. To have access to these programs and services makes things so much easier,B次元官网网址� she said.

B次元官网网址淚t helps us to believe in good in the world again.B次元官网网址�

For more information about the association, visit .

editor@goldstreamgazette.com