Nearly one month after Chris Sluman\u2019s leukemia diagnosis, community support in North Bay remains strong, with fundraisers and donations continuing for his family<\/p>\n
Financial support for a North Bay family facing an aggressive leukemia diagnosis continues to climb nearly a month after the medical crisis began.<\/p>\n
A GoFundMe for Chris Sluman<\/a> has reached $115,699 as of Friday, Feb. 6. The fundraiser was launched around Jan. 9 by staff at Parkside Animal Hospital, where his wife, Hailey Bertrand-Sluman, works as a veterinarian.\u00a0The fundraiser is helping cover treatment expenses the family says are not covered by OHIP.<\/p>\n The rising total comes as Sluman undergoes intensive chemotherapy in Sudbury, with more treatment ahead.<\/p>\n In an update earlier this week, Bertrand-Sluman reflected on both the medical challenges and the ongoing response from the community.<\/p>\n \u201cThough it won\u2019t stop me from trying, the continued outpouring of love and help even a month after diagnosis is absolutely astounding,\u201d she wrote. \u201cYou all have helped us feel so very cared for.\u201d<\/p>\n See: Leukemia diagnosis sparks outpouring of support for North Bay family<\/a><\/p>\n She says the past month has brought a new understanding of cancer treatment.<\/p>\n \u201cI had no idea what aggressive chemo looked like a month ago,\u201d she explained. \u201cI have learned a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n Bertrand-Sluman says the physical toll on her husband as his immune system remains suppressed.<\/p>\n \u201cChris is still about the same. His WBC (white blood cell count) is still very low (which have been assured is normal and better than if it came back too fast),\u201d she wrote.<\/p>\n See: Fundraiser planned for North Bay dad facing $575K leukemia treatment<\/a><\/p>\n She says he is sleeping most of the day as his body recovers from treatment.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen he is awake, it takes all he has to stand long enough to shower or stay awake long enough to eat,\u201d she described, noting he has not recently experienced nausea or pain.<\/p>\n The family is now home in North Bay temporarily as they await next steps in Sluman\u2019s treatment. Bertrand-Sluman told BayToday\u00a0Friday afternoon\u00a0they are home for one week.\u00a0Sluman is expected to\u00a0begin\u00a0the next phase of drug treatment.<\/p>\n She added that he remains highly immunocompromised and unable to have visitors.<\/p>\n She says the family is also seeking help from drug companies as costs remain a concern.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were very excited to hear that ponatinib will be discounted 30 per cent (so $253 a day instead of $330),\u201d she wrote in the update.<\/p>\n She pointed to moments with their daughter as a source of strength.<\/p>\n \u201cWe live for Briar\u2019s visits and the artwork, snuggles, and entertainment,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n See: How North Bay continues to help a local man fight aggressive blood cancer<\/a><\/p>\n Two community fundraisers are also planned this month.<\/p>\n A \u201cNight of Community and Support\u201d dinner and silent auction is set for Feb. 20 at Churchill\u2019s Prime Rib House, with proceeds going to the family. It\u2019s being organized by Steve and Mark Deacon, with Deacon Wealth Management.<\/p>\n Tickets are $250 per plate. Deacon says their business will cover the meal, so the entire fee goes directly to the family. To E-transfer, email Mark at [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>. Payments can also be made at the door. Space is limited to 100 seats. Deacon says confirm your attendance by emailing [email\u00a0protected]<\/a> or texting (416) 805-7482.<\/p>\n While the other fundraiser, \u201cStand With Sluman,\u201d takes place Feb. 21 at Gateway City Brewery, featuring live music, trivia, and a silent auction. Entry is $20, with proceeds going directly to support the Sluman family.<\/p>\n