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Financial assistance sought for Espanola’s Austin family

The community of Espanola is drawing together to assist a local family whose six-year-old son has been diagnosed with cancer.

Family Friend Sarah Thompson says Neil and Amanda Austin’s son, Ryker, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, cancer of the eye earlier this week.

She says he was immediately brought to Toronto for further testing to evaluate whether the cancer has spread.

Thompson adds the support of family and friends has been overwhelming and anyone wishing to help the family offset the cost of travel, hotels and lost wages, it would be appreciated.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/ghn8f-help-the-austin-family

As of this morning, Amanda reports after days of tests they finally got some great news,  the cancer has not left the eye. They are starting with chemo tomorrow and then will be back and forth every three weeks for a few days as they continue treatments for the next three months. After that, if the chemo does what doctors want it to do, they will be back for other types of treatments to keep the tumour at bay! She adds our amazing doctor told us to buckle up it’s going to be a long ride (looking at at least two years of on and off treatments), so all we can say is thank goodness for our strong boy and the amazing support! We are overwhelmed with all the best wishes and thinking of all of you! We truly appreciate every single one!

Rosalind Russell
Rosalind Russellhttp://myespanolanow.com
Rosalind is Vista Radio's CJJM 99.3 FM - CJJM - Espanola's long-time Morning Announcer and Regional News Anchor/Journalist covering the districts of Sudbury, Algoma and Manitoulin. With a career in multi-media spanning the last 45 years, she has expertise in radio, television, newspaper and magazine writing. A long-time volunteer, she is the Inaugural 2025 Senior of the Year Award representing the Town of Espanola and represented women empowerment as the national 2024 Ms. Elite Regional Canada titleholder. A mother of five, and grandmother of two says simply, "I am the Queen of my Universe, and my children/grandchildren are my Crowning Jewels." Volunteering, pageants, reading and writing are her passions. If you have a story to share, email Roz at: [email protected] or call 1705-869-NEWS (6397).

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