Lake Trail Middle School students are rallying around one of their own.
Kenton Doust, a highly competitive soccer player and Grade 9 student, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in September, and Lake Trail principal Kevin Reimer said there is “a fantastic outpouring of emotions” from students at the school.
“For me as a principal, our kids are amazing. They are hugging him and wishing him well. He is a well-loved kid.”
Reimer explained in the spring, he and family and friends noticed Doust “wasn’t himself.”
He received a CT scan and was given the diagnosis. Within a day, he was in BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver to have brain surgery, added Reimer.
According to the Go Fund Me page, doctors advised Doust he had fluid and tumours on his brain. An MRI revealed three brain tumours on or near his pituitary gland.
On Oct. 14, Doust had surgery to remove the fluid build-up and to biopsy the tumours.
Soon after surgery, Reimer noted Doust felt better and “was back to his old self,” although the surgery did not remove all of the tumours and Doust is now undergoing chemotherapy to continue his treatment.
“There’s still a long road to go, but he’s coming to school, much to my astonishment,” said Reimer. “It’s very difficult for our staff; he’s such a special part of our school community.”
Led by the school’s leadership students, Reimer said the school has come together and students are raising funds through a weekly bake sale to support Doust and his family.
There is also a Go Fund Me page to support the Doust family with a goal of $20,000 at: gofundme.com/9h754pck
The Prime Steakhouse is also setting up a fundraiser, in conjunction with Wednesday's NHL game between the Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets. Go there for the game, have dinner, and $5 from “a great Beer and Burger or pasta special” will go back to the Doust family. Puck drops at 4:30 p.m.