By Justin Dionne

Community rallies behind local boy living with cancerous tumor

Mar 2, 2019 | 6:00 AM

A local boy who suffers from a list of ailments, which includes a cancerous tumor, has been receiving plenty of support from the community.

Jesse Jubb is a young man from Grande Prairie who is going to be the centre of attention at a fundraiser for his family Saturday evening.

Friend and Supporter of Jesse, B.J Clark says the community has been rallying behind Jesse as more people began to hear his story.

“It started out with the grandparents and some family friends, and aunties and uncles, and it blossomed from there,” says Clark. “As people got wind and understanding of what was happening, we were able to turn it into an evening and we’re looking forward to enjoying some laughs, some fun and supporting a great cause.”

Organizers of the event say four and a half years ago, Jesse was diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidus, which lead to doctors locating a tumor (Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis) behind his pituitary stem. The tumor influenced Jesse’s hormones, which is what is believed to have resulted in his adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism. The combination of his tumor and medication he must take has resulted in Hypothalamic Obesity. The organizers say doctors were able to remove 40 percent of the tumor. They add the checkups involve an MRI test, where Jesse gets a contrast IV that contains a heavy metal called gadolinium which can be toxic in large doses, so he sometimes makes trips to Edmonton for Chelation treatments that flush the metals out of his system.

Plan Ahead

Why Would You Pre-Plan Your Funeral?

Apr 03, 2024

Dying away from home

What Happens if You Die Away From Home?

Mar 04, 2024

Flag Retiring Ceremony

What Do You Do With Worn-Out Flags?

Feb 01, 2024

Clark explains the event is going to help with costs of Jesse’s medicine and his trips to Edmonton.

“We’re looking to help the family with ongoing medical expenses and costs. There’s lots of trips back and forth back to Edmonton, medicines, and different types of things that are just going to be a constant struggle and battle for this family, and we’re just all coming together to help out on that cost.”

Clark adds while Jesse deals with a list of medical issues, he still finds the time to volunteer and help his family and friends wherever he can.