Mushkegowuk Chiefs Unite in Health Fight for Young Man
MOOSE CREEK – Pierce Koostachin is fighter and he doesn’t know the meaning of the word “quit.” Pierce is from the Attawapiskat First Nation is been battling leukemia since October 2012. Pierce is 15 years old and has been receiving various forms of treatment since his diagnosis.
None of those treatments have been successful thus far. The latest option is for Pierce to receive a bone marrow transplant. His younger sister Tammy has been found to be the perfect match for her bigger brother.
Family Needs to Move to Toronto for Treatment
The family will need to move to Toronto to receive this treatment. Pierce and his family are meeting this latest challenge head on with a strength and determination as he has shown since his diagnosis of leukemia nearly two years ago.
Northern Communities Mobilized
Chief Rex Knapaysweet of the Fort Albany First Nation heard about the plight of this young family and wanted to help.
One Good Fight in Fort Albany
Chief Knapaysweet mobilized his community of volunteers and in no time, the group came up with fund raising strategies to help the Koostachin family. Brent Nakochee and Charlotte Koostachin never hesitated. On Saturday, September 20/13, Brent and Charlotte coordinated a fundraising event called “One Good Fight” in Fort Albany. They are asking community members to volunteer to have their heads shaved. Their goal is to raise $5,000.00.
Similarly in Kashechewan First Nation, Brenda Wynne and Shirley Wynne will be coordinating a similar event in their community on October 5/12.
They too, hope to raise $5,000.00.
Attawapiskat Steps Up
The Attawapiskat First Nation will join this effort on September 20/13 will local artists and musicians performing for a fundraising effort.
Chief Knapaysweet challenged his fellow Chiefs to match the Fort Albany First Nations pledge of $1,000. In no time, the Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation, Chief Derek Stephen of the Kashechewan First Nation, Chief Norm Hardisty of the Moose Cree First Nation,Chief Linda Job of the Taykwa·Tagamou First Nation and Grand Chief Stan Louttit of the Mushkegowuk Council were all on board matching Fort Albany’s pledge of $1,000. A total of $6,000 pledged in a matter of hours by the Chiefs.
Grand Chief Stan Louttit Cancer Fighter
Grand Chief Stan Louttit is no stranger to battling cancer .
The Grand Chief has been fighting colon cancer for the past year is well aware of the challenges and expense for families who wish to be with their loved ones to receive treatment hundreds of miles away from their own communities.
“Young Pierce is a fighter and the Chiefs wish to support him and his family while he receives his bone marrow operation. Families need to be together and supported . We all hope and pray that young Pierce’s operation is going to be a successful one and that he will live a long and healthy life,” stated the Grand Chief.
To make donations to the Koostachin family, you may do so by email bank transfer: francine jkoostachin77@hotmail.ca
Related articles
