A mother in Saskatoon is sharing her late daughter’s battle with leukemia in hopes of supporting children fighting cancer. Cass Thiesen’s daughter, Clarke, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at the age of two. Over the next four years, Clarke underwent various treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy, without ever losing her positive spirit.
Despite spending most of her time at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, Clarke remained upbeat, even requesting birthday gifts for her younger brother instead of herself. Thiesen recalled Clarke’s infectious joy and humor, noting how she brought smiles to everyone around her, even during challenging moments like radiation sessions.
Tragically, Clarke passed away at the age of six in April. In her memory, her family established the Forever Clarke Foundation to assist families in Saskatchewan affected by cancer. During Clarke’s memorial, a family friend, Tracy Kondratiuk, was inspired to turn Clarke’s story into a children’s book. With Thiesen’s approval, Kondratiuk penned “Clarke’s Big, Brave Heart” to celebrate Clarke’s unique personality, offer encouragement to children battling cancer, and facilitate discussions about the disease within families.
The book aims to impart valuable lessons to children facing health challenges and provide a platform for open conversations. Proceeds from its sales will benefit the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and aid cancer-afflicted families in Saskatchewan through the Forever Clarke Foundation.