In a heartwarming display of solidarity, students at Ecole Secondaire Notre Dame High School in Red Deer have united to support their classmate, Lachlan Ross as he faces a challenging battle against a rare form of cancer. Lachlan, a Grade 11 student, has been a beloved member of the school’s Foundations program which caters to students with complex needs, for the past three years.
Lachlan’s journey has been marked by resilience and a vibrant personality that has touched the lives of everyone around him. Despite being non-verbal due to a genetic condition, Lachlan is known for his infectious laughter and ability to bring light into any room. His teacher, Alison Snow describes him as “a party” who loves to be with people and has a great sense of humour.
Lachlan’s Diagnosis and Treatment
Lachlan’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma a rare bone cancer. This diagnosis came after months of increased pain, difficulty walking, and extensive testing at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Lachlan’s mother, Colette Ross explains that the treatment plan involves six months of chemotherapy with a surgery in the middle. The goal is to salvage Lachlan’s limb, but if that is not possible, an amputation may be necessary.
The treatment process has been grueling, with Lachlan spending significant time away from the classroom he loves. Colette Ross shares that watching her son go through these challenges is heartbreaking, but his strength and bravery make it more bearable. “Watching him go through all these challenges is heartbreaking,” says Ross. “But seeing his smile, and that he’s so strong and brave through all of this makes it so much better.”
The Community Rallies Behind Lachlan
Inspired by Lachlan’s bravery, his classmates decided to take action to support him and his family. The Ross family is in need of a wheelchair-accessible van to facilitate Lachlan’s regular trips to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. The cost of such a van can reach up to $100,000 prompting the family to launch a GoFundMe campaign.
Students at Notre Dame High School, led by Addison Bradley another Grade 11 student, organized a series of fundraisers to contribute to the cause. During the final week of school before summer holidays, they launched “Loonies for Lachlan” a campaign where students could pay a loonie to wear a hat for the day, get hair tinsel, a face tattoo, or buy bubble gum. Additionally, all proceeds from the student-led coffee cart were collected for the Ross family. In total, $2,000 was raised to help get Lachlan a van.
The outpouring of support from the school community has been overwhelming. Students donated amounts ranging from a dollar up to $20 demonstrating their care and concern for Lachlan. Alison Snow notes that it has been touching to see students from outside the Foundations Program come to Lachlan’s aide. “The community has really come together and shown faith in each other,” says Snow.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the Ross family continues their search for the perfect van, the community at Notre Dame High School is excited to welcome Lachlan back as soon as he is ready to return. Addison Bradley expresses her hope to cross the graduation stage with Lachlan next year. “It’s his Grade 12 year next year,” says Bradley. “It’s mine as well. I want to cross the graduation stage with him.”
The support and love from Lachlan’s classmates and teachers have been a beacon of hope for the Ross family. As they navigate the challenges ahead, they are comforted by the knowledge that their community stands firmly behind them.
