This next blog post is very special to our hearts. Meet Reid Joseph Marvin Cottick (Reidski, Buddy Boops, Handsome Boy), a very loving, cuddly baby born May 16, 2003. He never complained, rarely cried, loved nose rub “kisses,” and never put up a fuss when big sis Kendra (16 months older) nabbed his toys– because, face it; the other kids' toys are always more interesting! Reid was named in honour of his two grandfathers, loved the colour orange, Scoobie Doo treats, and the show “Bob the Builder.”
When Reid was two months old, his parents, Judy and Glen, suspected a neurological disorder called Neurofibromatosis. He was developing spots on his skin as is common with the disorder, however his paediatrician didn’t investigate further. At Reids four and six month doctor appointments, Judy was still not taken seriously, even though Reid had developed even more spots.
At Reid’s nine month appointment, his parents were even more persistent, and finally the doctor suggested a CT scan, begrudgingly referring Reid to a neurologist. Frustratingly, the experience with the neurologist wasn’t much better than with the previous medical professionals in terms of proactiveness. Reid was forced to wait an entire year for a follow up appointment.
Before the follow up, the whole family came down with a cold, Reid contracting it last, but suffering the most. On the way to the follow up appointment he vomited in the car, and was unusually fussy and crying while being measured, weighed, poked, and prodded. Seeing as how this was in the summer, and the family had recently been out in lake country, West Nile virus was suspected. Part of diagnosing West Nile is to receive a lumbar puncture, which requires a CT scan to monitor intracranial pressure.
Judy watched as the CT scan was conducted and knew immediately that things were not right. She
beckoned Glen to come to the hospital immediately, and the two were ushered into a private room where the neurologist assembled a team, yet left the terrified parents hanging as to what the possible diagnosis could be.
At 1:45 pm Judy and Glen were told that Reid had a brain tumour, and at 4:50 pm that same day, Reid was in the OR for an emergency brain tumour resection.
The operation lasted several hours. The surgeon was able to remove most of the tumour, but when they tried to remove more, Reids little body would go into distress. The surgeon likened the tumour to an octopus, with the main area blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, and many arms branching out into other parts of the brain.
Pathology came back with devastating results; Astrocytic Glioma, containing elements that doctors had never seen before in a child this young. Ten days after the surgery it was determined that 50-60% of what had been removed had already grown back. To say this tumour was aggressive is an understatement.
The traditional treatment for this type of brain cancer includes radiation, however children under the age of three are not eligible for radiotherapy. Reid’s oncologist collaborated with eleven colleagues from across the world, and received eleven varying protocols to try. After deciding on the most appropriate plan of action, Reid was given an initial dose of chemo, then slated to have a gastrointestinal feeding tube put in a little while later. Reid was beginning to heal from the surgery, could manage walking again, and was discharged from the hospital.
After a routine blood work appointment, Reid was brought home, given a meal, then carried up the stairs by Glen to settle down for a nap. Reid was in his dad's arms, resting his head on Glen's shoulder, smiling at his mom. He never woke up from his nap.
This whole horrific experience from start to finish lasted just under five weeks.
Judy and Glen want parents to know the importance of advocating for children. Had Reid’s tumour been detected earlier, this could have been a very different story we’re sharing today.
Sunday, September 11th, 2022 marked the seventeenth anniversary of Reid’s passing. Please keep the Cottick family close to your hearts this month. Enormous thanks to Judy for sharing dear Reidski with us. We’re together mourning what sweet Buddy Boop could have been in this world. This Handsome Boy will be a beacon for our fight against childhood cancer. We love you, Reid.
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