Family Perseveres through Hardship to Volunteer on Christmas Kettles

After receiving support from The Salvation Army Picton Community Church, 10-year-old Robbie Watson continues to give back even in uncertain times.

Robbie and his family have continued the tradition of volunteering on Salvation Army Christmas Kettles this year. He’s back on the ice for recreational skating and is more like his old self, following a diagnosis of brain cancer and a summer of chemotherapy treatments.

“We’re doing public skating once a week to get him back into doing what he loves. I can’t even think that we just spent four or five months going through intensive treatment,” says his mother, Abby.

While the word cancer is not used in the home, Robbie is moving forward with life, and he’s named the tumour, ‘Lumpy’.

“Robbie says he’s got Lumpy and he’s an Avengers fan, so he says he’s going to stomp it out. He hasn’t lost his smile and he’s still happy,” Abby says.

While Robbie is a bundle of energy now, it wasn’t long ago, back in July when he woke up with a noticeable lack of energy. His pupils were also dilated, an indication of pressure on the brain.

“I knew there was something wrong with him for a week.  He just wasn’t himself, but he never complained,” Abby recalls.

After several hospital visits, an ultrasound and CT scan revealed a brain tumour and a positive diagnosis of germ cell cancer. Six rounds of chemotherapy followed, with the first treatment taking place on Robbie’s birthday on July 30.

As Robbie began treatment, the community responded by raising more than $11,000 through a GoFundMe campaign, and additional support from The Salvation Army Picton Community Church, led by Corps Officers Joe and Donna Ludlow.

“The community support has been tremendous and we’re thankful for The Salvation Army and their support,” said Abby.

The Watson family is using the break as Robbie waits for word of future treatment to volunteer on The Salvation Army Christmas Kettles this holiday season.

“The kids have helped me three times so far. And I think I’ve had two shifts by myself. We’ve done five so far in between doctor’s appointments and bloodwork. When my daughters are home from school they volunteer as well,” Abby says

“We are so thankful for the response with everything from food to gas gift cards that help with numerous trips and hospital visits in Belleville, Kingston and Ottawa. Volunteering on The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettles is rewarding and it’s the least we can do to help others who have supported us,” Abby says.

As the family waits to see what treatments or surgery is in Robbie’s future, right now he is living life to the fullest as a lively and energetic 10-year-old, playing hockey and building with Lego.

“He actually has a great diagnosis. He is 80 per cent to 85 per cent cancer free. And then there’s an 80 per cent chance that it will never come back either. His diagnosis is fantastic compared to a lot of others,” says Abby, with a hint of hopefulness in her voice.

“We wouldn’t have made it this far without the support that we have received from The Salvation Army, wider community and friends and family.  There’s been so much help and so much care. Thank you everyone.”