Calling all superheros to action at Robert Service Campground!

From noon to 4 p.m. on May 15, the campground will host a Superhero Fundraiser event for Jack, a local two-year-old who is fighting acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

Jack was diagnosed last September. He has been receiving chemotherapy at B.C. Children’s Hospital.

“Jack is nearing the completion of a significant portion of his treatment, and in the coming months will be able to return home to Whitehorse with his family,” the event’s Facebook page states.

“This transition marks the beginning of a very long journey for Jack’s family. Jack will continue to receive regular chemotherapy at home and will be required to return to Vancouver on a monthly basis for the next two years for further treatment.”

Amanda Stehelin and her husband, Bernard, who operate the campground, know all too well just what the diagnosis means for a family and the impact fundraisers like this can have.

In 2014, their youngest son, Marek (then 2 1/2), was given the same diagnosis.

Friends and family organized a fundraiser which has helped the family of six pay the mortgage, buy groceries and handle the bills that are needed to keep a household of six going.

“We couldn’t have made it without (the fundraiser),” Stehelin said in an interview Tuesday as she described a situation where she and Bernard were essentially forced to run two households in the months following Marek’s diagnosis.

The disease has about a 90 per cent survival rate. That, however, is with intensive treatment, and for Yukoners, that can mean being separated from family.

For the first nine or 10 months, Amanda and Marek were in Vancouver. There, Marek received treatment while Bernard and their three older children stayed in Whitehorse.

There is an obvious emotional impact that comes when a child is going through chemo.

On top of that is the financial toll that comes with the loss of income. One parent stays with the sick child for the more intense treatment Outside, then provides chemo at home after they can return to the territory.

The grocery bill is a good example of how everyday costs mount while income drops significantly.

The Stehelins have to shop separately for the family in Whitehorse and Vancouver. As well, like a lot of parents who have kids with cancer, Amanda found herself many times making whatever Marek was willing to eat just to make sure he got some food into him.

It’s fairly common for parents who have kids going through treatment to make multiple meals for one sitting just to ensure the child will eat, she said.

While Amanda and Marek are back in Whitehorse for the most part, every 28 days, they return to Vancouver for anywhere from three to five days, when Marek is put on an IV treatment.

They often stay at Ronald McDonald House, where Jack and his family are also staying.

Though Marek is doing fairly well now all things considered, Amanda admits it remains difficult for the family.

“It’s still really stressful,” Amanda said.

In January, a minor illness saw Marek end up in isolation at Whitehorse General Hospital.

“He had no immunity,” Amanda said, noting chemo’s significant side effects.

As the Stehelins look ahead about 17 months to the anticipated final treatment for Marek, they also know Jack’s family is in for a lengthy journey.

Both of Jack’s parents are in Vancouver with him and his younger brother. When they return to the territory, Jack will continue chemo at home with regular trips back to Vancouver.

Even at home, Amanda pointed out, it becomes so important that a child undergoing chemo not be exposed to the usual illnesses most kids seem to get.

She remains grateful for the financial help of so many Yukoners who donated what they could to help her family out.

Providing the campground for Jack’s fundraiser is a chance for her family to “pay it forward” she said.

All the donations – whether it’s $5 or a bit of time people might have given to helping out – have all made a difference for her family, just as it could for Jack’s family.

“It’s really embarrassing and really humbling,” she recalled of receiving the support from the fundraiser, noting she continues to thank Yukoners for the help they gave her family.

Jenny Whitehouse, one of the organizers, said the event is not only a chance to raise money for the family, but an opportunity for the community to show its support to them.

“A group of us came together and initiated this fundraising event to help the family with extra expenses,” she noted.

“Not only do such activities, no matter how small or grand, help provide necessary resources, but they also help make the family feel emotionally supported in their journey through childhood cancer,” Whitehouse said.

“We did an event similar to this one two years ago for Marek Stehelin; it was a wholesome community event centred around children.

“When putting events together like our upcoming fundraiser, it is important to remember what an amazing community we live in and call home.”

Whitehouse then went on to note her thanks to the many who are assisting with the fundraiser.

The superhero-themed event will feature live entertainment, a bake sale, barbecue, face painting for the kids and a silent auction.

A long list of local businesses have contributed to the silent auction with items that include (among many others) expeditions like a fly-in fishing trip, an adventure trip; services in town like a massage, “doggy doo doo clean up”, or brow shaping and tinting; products ranging from a deep fryer to a wool blanket to books and a bike; tasty food like pie and cheese; and many baskets that will feature a number of products – hair products, essential oils, homemade spa items and even “date night” baskets.

A number of those donating to the silent auction are keeping with the superhero theme by offering a superhero cape, baby superhero cupcakes and a superhero picture all up for auction.

Anyone wanting volunteer at the fundraiser or donate to the auction and/or bake sale can visit the Help Jack Fight page on Facebook to message organizers or call 334-7870.