A fundraiser has been launched to support a 15-year-old Islander facing repeated trips between Jersey and Southampton for treatment for a rare and aggressive cancer.
Kayden Ozouf is receiving treatment for monophasic synovial sarcoma at Southampton Hospital, with chemotherapy and numerous hospital visits expected over the coming months.
His family has launched an online fundraiser to help meet the mounting costs of travel.
Kayden’s wrist swelling was initially diagnosed as a sprain and then a ganglion cyst before doctors realised it was cancer.
In the fundraising appeal, his family said the news had turned their world “upside down.”
“What we thought was a routine health concern has become every parent’s worst nightmare,” they said.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Kayden is trying to remain positive and continues to smile and joke, according to his family.
Money raised will help pay for travel, accommodation, meals and other expenses during hospital stays, as well as allowing relatives to take time off work to support him.
The family said: “We want to be fully present for Kayden – to sit beside him during every treatment, to hold his hand through every difficult moment, and to make sure he never feels alone.”
They also thanked staff at Southampton and Birmingham hospitals, who they said had looked after Kayden “so well”.
“We feel reassured knowing he is in such capable hands,” they said.
The family said they had initially created the fundraiser so that a small number of close friends could contribute but had been stunned by the wider response.
“We never expected the response it has had. The kindness shown to Kayden and our family has been overwhelming.”
DONATE…
Islanders can donate to Kayden’s fundraiser online.
