A Cochrane family was “humbled” by the support from the community, after receiving devastating news about a brain tumor.
Landon Brodeur, father of three, was diagnosed with cancer on July 22.
Brodeur’s wife Erin said it was like a “punch to the gut” when they received the diagnosis.
“(Landon) always knew something was wrong,” Erin said.
She explained that Landon had been feeling “like something was wrong” for two years and constantly pushed the doctors to do more testing. He was eventually given an MRI and that same day he was told he had a tumor in his brain.
Four months after the initial diagnosis, the family has gone through numerous appointments with doctors, one tumor removal surgery and a short recovery. Earlier this month they received more bad news when the doctors told Landon he would have to start chemotherapy and radiation for a minimum of six weeks, five days a week.
Since the diagnosis, the family said they have been “humbled” by all the support from the community, including the kind gestures from the school that their children attend.
“Just the fact that they even offer to do something, that touches us and my husband is moved beyond words,” Erin said with a smile.
“Cochrane really is the best place to live, the people are amazing.”
The principal of the school would not go into specifics about what gestures have been done, but Erin alluded that school officials mentioned “something” is in the works for Christmas.
“We do a lot of things for different families that aren’t promoted … we just do our best to support families who are in need and going through difficult times,” said Greg Woitas, principal of Holy Spirit Catholic School.
“There are a lot of ways in which we offer support – providing love and care for the children and the family.”
Erin said her children almost attended a different Cochrane school because both she and Landon attended public schools but said she “has not regretted” sending her children to school at Holy Spirit.
“It has been overwhelming. It is so much easier to reach out and help someone else but it feels weird to be on the other end … but I am grateful,” Erin said.
While Erin said they are fortunate to have a strong support system with family and friends, and a savings account, she does not know what the next year will bring, as the couple will be off work during the treatment.
“We don’t have answers for anything right now … we don’t think we need much but that could change. It has been humbling, it is nice to be thought of and cared about,” she said.
In the meantime, Erin said her family has “not stressed about the little things” and focused on spending more time together as a family. Saying “there is no time” is no longer a valid excuse, Erin added.
“He knew something wasn’t right and we are so glad we did (something) – if you think something is wrong keep asking questions,” she said.
For more information on how to help the family, go to gofundme.com/brodeur-strong.
