I am a fortyish mama living in Toronto with my beautiful son Gavin, (aka Bean) and my incredible husband Craig. I originally started this blog to record some details of my adventures as a professional parent and share stories and photos of our life with friends and family who are far away. I never really got far with that.
In 2010, we discovered that Gavin had a malignant posterior fossa brain tumour, and he went into a seven-hour surgery on Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010. The good news was that the whole tumour was removed, and he emerged from surgery alive and quite well. The bad news that it would be a long and painful process of recovery. To read more about Gavin’s diagnosis and treatment protocol, please see “Gavin’s Story.” Throughout the struggle, there have been good days and bad, times of hope and of hopelessness.
As of 2017, Gavin remains in remission and grows stronger and wiser every day. I continue to share our story, so that the wide world can know what a courageous boy I’ve got. For anyone who reads this, send some good thoughts and positive energy our way. I still need all the help I can get!
I welcome any comments or words of sympathy and advice. If you have found us through your own child’s diagnosis, please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions or for help. I will get back to you as soon as possible. You can email me at: ericafspencer@gmail.com
Hi Erica – so pleased to hear Gavin came through surgery ok. and from what I gather reading your posts and emails, that all the tumour was removed which must be a good thing. Thinking of you all, Love Kelly
you do have a courageous boy, and he is so lucky to have such a courageous mom and dad. thanks so much for sharing your thoughts during such a difficult time.
Hi Erica,
I don’t know you and Gavin too well, really from Junction Dave Days, but Mama’s with baby boys kind of know each other instantly I think. I’ve been anxiously asking Tiffany for updates – I think of you and Gavin all the time and send our love and good vibes every day. Being a mum is a tough job any day, yours in the toughest position ever. You are doing an amazing job of it, taking care of your little man – if there’s ANYTHING any of us can do, from company to bringing decent food, from relieving you or running errands please let us know without hesitation. Keep up your strength and your courage and cry when you have to, we’ll all be sending positive energies to your family to make Gavin better as quickly as possible.
My mum had a brain tumor by the way, the treatments and technologies now are amazing- she was given just a few years when I was in my early 20’s, and now she’s miraculously still here and quite well 15 years later, a grandma we didn’t think Leif would have. Her oncologist/doc is Norman LaPerriere, he may be on your Gavin’s team as well, I hope so as he’s done an amazing job helping my mama.
Love Shawna + bubby Leif Dressler
Hi Erica,
I met you and Craig at the Intelliware Christmas party last year. My wife Theresa and I live just up the street from you.
We were sorry to hear about Gavin but also very hopeful after reading your posts. Our daughter Maeve is 15 months, so we can’t imagine how hard this has been on you guys. Please let us know if we can ever be of any help to you and Craig. Theresa works part-time and is often home on Thursday and Friday, so just knock on the door.
Caleb + Theresa
Hi Erica,
I’m a mother of two boys living in Massachusetts in the US. I somehow stumbled upon your website and Gavin’s amazing story. Although my life (fortunately, I know) hasn’t been impacted by cancer or anything else as major, my children have quite a few issues, and I understand a little bit of the heartache. I ended up reading your entire blog and was really so impressed with the combination of information, detail, humor, and self-deprecation with which you describe your difficult journey. You sound like such wonderful parents, and Gavin has such a dazzling smile! I wish all of you the best, and will be sending lots of positive, healing thoughts and vibes your way…
Dear Erica and Craig, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and over Christmas. We have been thinking of you constantly this weekend and praying Gavin gathers his strength as he’s an amazing little boy – an inspiration to us all. We are so pleased he’s now breathing and pray his progress continues from strength to strength. Sending you all our love to you all and especially all our love to Gavin xxx
Hello to Gavin’s family. I know you through Lisa’s stories and my heart goes out to you. Wishing you all the best in your journey today and going forward.
xo
Alison
I do not know you as a family but a mate of mine passed me your details. I cannot imagine what you are going through but with two small children myself, I send you heart felt wishes and positive vibes from Colchester Essex. Be strong and keep the faith – you all sound amazing people. Love to Gavin.
Craig, ever since I found out about your challenges, I have not stopped thinking about it. Mate you and Erica and Gavin are absolutley inspirational by being be so loving and so strong in many ways – Gavin is blessed to have you as his parents. If ever someone can do all that is possible to succeed, Erica and yourself and your family/friend support network would fit that mould easily.
Keep strong mate. I don’t pray normally but I will for Gavin. When we have the St.Pats reunion next week we will all have drink for you and your family.