A mother in Saskatoon aims to support children battling cancer by sharing the journey of her late daughter who succumbed to a severe form of leukemia last spring.
Clarke, the daughter of Cass Thiesen, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at the tender age of two. Over the following four years, Clarke underwent extensive treatments including radiation, chemotherapy, and bone marrow transplants in her fight against the disease.
Despite her health struggles, Clarke maintained a positive outlook and brought joy to those around her. Thiesen recalled how Clarke would dance joyfully before her medical procedures, spreading happiness to others in the hospital.
Throughout her battle, Clarke displayed resilience and selflessness, often requesting birthday gifts for her little brother instead of herself. Her vibrant spirit and sense of humor touched the lives of many, creating lasting memories for her family and caregivers.
Tragically, Clarke passed away at the age of six in April. In her honor, Thiesen and her family established the Forever Clarke Foundation to provide assistance to families affected by cancer in Saskatchewan.
Recognizing the potential for Clarke’s story to inspire and educate children facing similar challenges, family friend Tracy Kondratiuk transformed Clarke’s journey into a children’s book titled “Clarke’s Big, Brave Heart.” The book aims to celebrate Clarke’s uniqueness, offer comfort to children fighting cancer, and facilitate conversations within families about the disease.
Kondratiuk emphasized the valuable lessons the book imparts to children and the broader community, encouraging gratitude for life’s blessings and resilience in the face of adversity. Proceeds from the book sales will contribute to supporting the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and assisting cancer-affected families in Saskatchewan through the Forever Clarke Foundation.
