A mother in Saskatoon is sharing the heartbreaking journey of her daughter who passed away last spring from a rare form of leukemia in the hopes of raising awareness and support for children battling cancer.
Cass Thiesen’s daughter, Clarke, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at the tender age of two. Over the next four years, Clarke underwent intensive treatments including radiation, chemotherapy, and bone marrow transplants in a courageous fight against the disease.
Despite her illness, Clarke maintained a positive outlook, bringing joy to those around her with her vibrant spirit. Thiesen recalled how Clarke remained resilient, even requesting birthday gifts for her younger brother while she spent much of her time at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.
Tragically, Clarke passed away at the age of six this past April. In her memory, the family established the Forever Clarke Foundation to provide support to families in Saskatchewan affected by cancer.
Inspired by Clarke’s story, family friend Tracy Kondratiuk felt compelled to turn it into a children’s book, “Clarke’s Big, Brave Heart,” aimed at empowering young readers facing similar challenges and facilitating conversations about illness within families.
Thiesen emphasized the importance of the book as a tool for children to express their emotions and experiences, fostering understanding and empathy among readers. Proceeds from the book’s sales will be directed towards supporting the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and assisting families impacted by cancer through the foundation.
