Hockey has been a sport of determination, resilience and never giving up. For 15-year-old Alex Bonitatibus it has been no different. But now, the young Canadian is dealing with the biggest challenge of his life after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. As he embarks on a challenging treatment journey, his local hockey community and supporters have come together to help his family reach an initial fundraising goal of $50,000 to access specialized medical care in the United States.
A rare and aggressive cancer diagnosis
According to a news report by Oakville News, Bonitatibus, a former Oakville Ranger now with the Mississauga Terriers, has been diagnosed with parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma. The rare cancer forms in the soft tissue and muscle around the sinus area and can be particularly difficult to treat because of its location.The close proximity of the tumor to the brain, eye and critical pathways of the central nervous system makes the conventional surgical intervention extremely difficult. Therefore his treatment requires a highly specialized multidisciplinary oncology team capable of delivering precise and specific therapies, explains the online report.The complexity of the diagnosis has meant that Alex and his family have made it a priority to access advanced medical expertise. Now they are turning to the United States for specialized treatment options that are not available in Canada at this time.
A determined young player
Off the back of his diagnosis, Alex is described by teammates and friends as a lively teenager with a great love for hockey. His determination has not only defined his path through the sport, but has also made him a valuable member of his teams, explains Oakville News report.He brings a never-give-up attitude to every game, always giving his best effort no matter what the score is, says Oakville News. His commitment to his teammates and his competitive spirit has built strong ties in the local hockey community.His interests go well beyond the ice. The teenager recently learned how to be a barber and has become sort of an unofficial stylist for his teammates, giving his friends haircuts on a regular basis, adds the report. The hobby is proof of his willingness to learn new skills, and to bring people together, the report adds further.
Alex gets support from the community
With a diagnosis that comes with great medical and financial challenges, Alex’s family has reached out to the wider community for support. A GoFundMe campaign was created to help support these costs, with its original goal set at $50,000. The campaign has been successful in meeting its objective and the response has been encouraging.According to Oakville News, contributions have come from people who know Alex personally, members of the hockey community and other supporters touched by his situation. An anonymous $5,000 donation provided a big boost to the fundraising effort.
The road ahead
While reaching the fundraising goal is a huge milestone, Alex and his family have an uncertain medical journey ahead. As they prepare for the next stage, access to specialist treatment, ongoing care and the expenses related to traveling abroad are the central concerns.The outpouring of support from the community has shown the support the young hockey player has in a very difficult time. For Alex, whose time on the ice has always been defined by perseverance, the support of teammates, friends and well-wishers is an important source of strength as he faces his toughest challenge yet.Images Courtesy: istock