Students Rally Behind Classmate Battling Rare Bone Cancer
Students at Ecole Secondaire Notre Dame High School in Red Deer, Alberta, are coming together to support a fellow student facing an extraordinary health challenge. Year 11 student Lachlan Ross, who has spent the past three years in the school’s Foundations program for students with complex needs, was recently diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer.
A Beloved Member of the School Community
Lachlan was born with a genetic condition that left him non-verbal and managing complex medical needs. Despite these challenges, he has become known throughout the school as a vibrant and joyful presence. His teacher, Alison Snow, describes him as someone who loves being around people and has a remarkable sense of humor.
“He’s a party,” Snow said. “He loves being around people and laughing; he has a great sense of humor. He just brings light.”
A Devastating Diagnosis
This year, Lachlan’s life took a difficult turn. After months of increasing pain, difficulty walking, and extensive testing at Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary, he was diagnosed with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma — a rare form of bone cancer. He now faces six months of chemotherapy, with surgery scheduled in the middle of his treatment plan.
His mother, Colette Ross, expressed cautious optimism about the road ahead. “Hopefully they will be able to save his limb,” she explained. “If not, it will be amputated, and we just hope that chemotherapy can really eradicate the cancer.”
The diagnosis means even more hospital visits and extended time away from the classroom that Lachlan loves. “It’s heartbreaking to see him overcome all of these challenges,” Ross said. “But seeing his smile and seeing him being so strong and brave through it all makes it so much better.”
The Need for a Wheelchair-Accessible Van
Because Lachlan’s treatment is only available at Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary, the Ross family must make regular trips south from Red Deer. Currently, each journey requires removing Lachlan from his wheelchair and transferring him into a standard vehicle — a process that is both difficult and painful for him.
The family hopes to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van, but the cost can reach up to $100,000. While they continue searching for a used van, they launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the expense.
Students Take Action with “Loonies for Lachlan”
Inspired by Lachlan’s courage and infectious smile, his classmates stepped in to help. Addison Bradley, an 11th grade student at Notre Dame, helped spearhead a fundraising initiative called “Loonies for Lachlan” during the last week of school before summer break.
“We wanted to get the school involved,” Bradley said. “To show our support for Lachlan, to show that we love Lachlan and want him to get better.”
With the help of teacher Alison Snow, Bradley and a group of students organized a series of fun events. On June 9, students could pay to wear a hat, get hair tinsel, receive a face tattoo, or buy gum. A few days later, all proceeds from the student-run coffee cart were donated to the Ross family.
The campaign raised a total of $2,000 toward the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible van. “Students donated from $1 to $20,” Bradley said. “It’s great to see they care so much about Lachlan.”
A Community United in Support
Snow noted that it was especially touching to see students from outside the Foundations program step up to support Lachlan. “The community has really come together and shown trust in one another,” she said.
The Ross family continues their search for the right accessible vehicle, which they believe will transform their daily lives during Lachlan’s treatment. Meanwhile, the Notre Dame community looks forward to welcoming Lachlan back when he is ready to return to school.
“Next year he’ll be in 12th grade,” Bradley said. “It’s mine too. I want to get through the final phase with it.”
