Jace carries on battle for others
Aaron and Desiree Russell have taken a dark time in their life and turned it into something that helps other families see the light.
The Port Colborne couple started Jace Wars six years ago after their son was diagnosed with a brain tumour in early
2011.
Since then, Jace, now eight years old, is living his life cancer free and was one of the many children with their families at Saturday’s fundraiser at the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 56 on Clarence Street, an event inspired by Star Wars.
More than $50,000 has been raised for Ronald McDonald House and McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, facilities the Russells became very familiar with while Jace was receiving treatments.
The Russells were told by doctors to prepare for the worst, as Jace would not “make it through the night” when they initially received news about his health.
Aaron, dressed in an elaborate, heavy-duty Darth Vader costume, said the annual occasion has seen plenty of support from a galaxy of Niagara groups.
“We have a great group of people you may have not thought would come together that have really joined forces,” he said at Saturday’s event.
“We’re really honoured to be a part of that,” he added.
Desiree said Jace has also been an “active participant” in the cause by joining them on visits to Ronald McDonald House and McMaster Children’s Hospital when they deliver the proceeds from their family’s annual gathering.
Aaron said as his son gets older his comprehension of what he was faced with as a toddler and that other kids are going through the same thing is becoming a part of Jace Wars.
“He certainly understands we’re really lucky for what we have,” he said.
In the packed legion hall, Desiree said they are always amazed by the community’s response to their cause.
“We’re so thankful for everyone that comes out every year,” she said.
For more information, visit www.jacewars.com.