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Daniel Bradley McLellan

Daniel Bradley McLellan was born January 31, 2004, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He arrived five weeks early to very proud and joyous parents, Tonya and Brad. Weighing only 5 lbs 4 oz, he was small but mighty and had wisdom in his eyes that only later did we truly understand. He spent his first seven days under observation at the IWK Health Care Centre and came home as a thriving little boy. The week that followed was true bliss as the three of us began our new life together.
On February 14, 2004 our lives were changed forever; from that point onward we realized the undeniable strength of “Our Little Man”. Feeling that something was wrong, we returned to the hospital hoping to be told of a common infection, or better yet, that we were being over cautious like most first time parents. Within a couple of hours however we received a devastating diagnosis. Sitting in a large trauma room with a number of very concerned medical professionals, a pediatric specialist from the Oncology/Hematology department explained to us, in a very soft and caring British voice, that our Daniel had leukemia and that he was a very sick little boy. His leukemia was classified as Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), subtype M5. The incidence of infants born with AML is about 1 in 5 million.

Defying very poor odds, Daniel survived the next couple of days and was able to begin an aggressive and lengthy chemotherapy protocol. We remained in hospital for the next 12 weeks experiencing many ups and downs. While battling for his life at one end, he used his charm on the other to tug at the heart strings of all those who were fortunate enough to meet him and the many who prayed for his recovery.

On May 3rd a small prayer was answered; three of us came home for what was to be a one week break. Upon our return to the hospital however, devastation struck once again as a routine bone marrow test revealed that the disease had returned. Under the guidance of his superior medical team, different options were considered, one being bone marrow transplant. Nothing however was a match for his unforgiving disease. Cytogenetic tests later showed that unusual cellular characteristics of his leukemia were unfavorable to treatment.

The weeks that followed were a gift; we lived in hope and possessed a peace that allowed us to treasure each moment. Nothing was halfway with Daniel; it was simply “all”. He did everything with fight, courage and dignity. His short life was filled with happiness and not pain. His smile was contagious, his cry demanded attention and his spirit was admirable. He loved his feedings, to feel the sunshine on his face, to be walked in his stroller, to pee and scream during diaper change, to enjoy his own space, his small green soother, to play with his Dad and to cuddle endlessly in the arms of his Mom. He is our Angel.

Daniel drew many remarkable people into his life; he could sense strength of character in others. He has touched our life to its very core. His arrival was the beginning of immeasurable happiness, our time with him allowed us to share the purest love, his fight brought deep admiration and his death has bestowed immense sadness combined with thankfulness that he shared his life with us.

When we think of Daniel will always remember the intensity of his deep blue eyes, the beauty and innocence of his porcelain face and his love for the simple things that life offers. As a symbol of our love and a lasting gift we decided to turn our heartbreak into something remarkable, “The Daniel McLellan Memorial Fund”. May Daniel’s life teach us the importance of hope and bring us strength, not pain.

May we all live, experience and enjoy life one day at a time.

 

ABOUT DANIEL
Copyright Daniel McLellan Memorial Fund - Official Charity # 855804175RR0001 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada