Story
February 22, 2005 was the date that has forever changed Shelby’s life and those of her entire family.. Following many days of painful tests, procedures, and surgeries, in early April, Shelby was finally diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a form of bone and soft tissue cancer (stage 4), very rare for such a young child.

Shelby Elizabeth Marie Gagne was born on April 22, 2003 to proud parents, Rebecca and Steven and an adorable big sister Emileigh, who just turned 5 on July 10, 2005. Shelby is an amazingly beautiful and vibrant 2 year old with a zest for life and a feisty, spirited nature that some may refer to as stubborn and strong willed. But these are truly the exact qualities necessary to battle this very horrid disease.

Daddy (Steven) continues to work full-time, and then some, as a car salesman, in order to provide an income for his family. Mommy (Rebecca), has had to take a leave of absence from her work as an Educational Assistant working with special needs students, in order to provide the necessary and ongoing care for little Shelby and big sister Emileigh.

Emileigh’s life has also changed dramatically, having to share time at her own home and that of Grammy and Papa’s and visiting with Shelby at the hospital. Emileigh is a very bright, articulate little girl and she has truly been a big support for Shelby and other family members, as she has learned to cope with this life changing illness.

Shelby is so blessed to have the loving and caring support of “Grammy”, Carol McHugh, who has had to put her own life on hold in order to travel this long and arduous journey with all her girls - Becca, Emileigh, and Shelby.

Described by the nurses as a “tag team”, Mommy and Grammy provide care for little Shelby on a 24 hours per day / 7 days a week basis. Attempting to live this “new normal” is a fine
balancing act, considering the fact Shelby’s intense treatment regime requires about 75% of life spent in hospital.

To date this “cancer journey” has been a very stressful and emotional roller coaster for all involved, but learning to take only one day at a time and appreciating each and every moment
along the way is the best and only method of coping with such a life threatening and altering illness.

Some of Shelby’s favorite things, likes and dislikes:
Loves to cuddle and always wants to have her hands held & her feet rubbed, especially as she falls asleep and during stressful times.
Loves to play dress up, in her fancy shoes & lots of jewellery.
Likes playing with her baby dolls (now does “medical play” with her babies).
Adores her big sister, Emileigh & spending time playing with her.
Loves to eat - favorite foods include, chicken nuggets with ketchup, pizza, orange popscicles,
veggies with dip, & generally anything edible.
Absolute favorite color is “Pink”, everything has to be pink.
Her Wish: to ride a big “pink” horse. A real horse.
Favorite movie: Elf
Favorite T.V. show: Berenstein Bears.
Loves to “pole ride” on her “beep beep” machine.

Dislikes: “pokes” (needles), dressing changes for her central line, people looking in her mouth, the “pukes”, the “poops”, the monitor for her oxygen levels placed on her toe or finger, not being at home with her family, and not being able to have a bath or go swimming. “Cancer Sucks!!!!!” Shelby has touched the hearts and spirits of everyone she encounters. Her huge smile and big, bright eyes can melt the coldest of hearts and her little giggle is so contagious. Although Shelby’s future if very uncertain, this journey has enlightened all of our lives through all of the wonderful families we have met along the way. We are encouraged and inspired by all of the
brave little people battling this nasty disease. We are so very fortunate to be in such capable and caring hands of the many professional people who walk with us on our long journey. From the many Doctors, especially our miracle, Dr. Zelcer, (“Zelc”, as Shelby calls her), the Child Can organization, Child Life Specialists, the Pediatric Medical Day Unit crew, the staff of 7-West, the Radiology team, our Social Worker, Jessica, our Psychologist, Danielle, our Case Manager, Mary-Anne, and the list can go on and on. We are forever indebted and eternally grateful for all of their dedicated care and support during this most difficult time in our lives.