I'm Riding For

Kolton Byerley

Let me introduce you to Kolton, a 13 year old who loves to keep busy. Even with the setback of having a golf ball sized tumour removed from his brain at the base of his skull, he continues to dominate the world, it just looks a little different. Kolton has always been a very independent kid, teaching himself to conquer the rubik's cube, not once but twice. It is one of the things he has had to relearn after being diagnosed with CMS (Cerebellar Mutism Syndrome), a temporary side effect that can happen with brain surgery. It has slowed him down because he has to relearn to use both his voice and whole body, including his arms and legs. Although things are changing every day, we know that Kolton will gain his independence back and he looks forward to playing baseball and riding his bike. There are many other things that Kolton cannot wait to reaccomplish. Baking and BBQing are definitely on his list. Kolton is a person who loves to learn, and something he was learning before cancer came into our lives was painting and art, using all different mediums to create things. He looks forward to working with one of his favourite local artists to create another masterpiece. Kolton’s summer has been very different this year. He has been going to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre every Monday to Friday for radiation treatment. He is one of the youngest people there. With radiation ending on August 2nd, Kolton will get a break before he starts chemotherapy. It feels surreal that he will be starting this treatment while his friends start grade 9. We are unsure what Kolton's academic year will look like, as even with support from his school and the division there are still many unknowns. He has a bumpy road ahead but with the support from the Alberta Children’s Hospital, the amazing staff, his family, friends and community we are confident of his future.