Kindersley child shares story of courage after two-year battle with brain tumour

Five-year-old Ghio is one of the Miracle Children being featured by Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital

A young Kindersley boy and his family are sharing their story after a two-year journey through brain surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

Ghio, of Kindersley, was just five years old when his family first noticed something wasn’t right. He began stumbling into doors and losing his balance — symptoms that would eventually lead to the discovery of a three-centimetre brain tumour.

Kindersley’s Ghio is one of the Miracle Children being featured ahead of the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Radiothon on Nov. 4 and 5. After being diagnosed with a three-centimetre brain tumour in 2024, Ghio underwent two surgeries followed by radiation and chemotherapy. After a two-year battle, he recently celebrated the end of his treatment surrounded by his family and medical team. PHOTO COURTESY JIM PATTISON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

In July 2024, Ghio began experiencing severe headaches and daily vomiting. Although initial test results came back normal, his symptoms continued to worsen. He developed double vision, struggled with his balance and began falling frequently.

An ophthalmologist eventually discovered pressure behind Ghio’s eyes that was pinching a nerve. His family was told to take him immediately to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon for a CT scan.

Ghio was subsequently diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumour.

Following his diagnosis, Ghio underwent two urgent surgeries and began an intensive treatment plan that included radiation and chemotherapy.

After a gruelling two-year battle, Ghio recently reached a milestone his family had been waiting for — the end of his treatment.

Surrounded by his family and medical team in the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital theatre, Ghio celebrated completing treatment and overcoming his brain tumour.

Now, the Kindersley youngster is one of the Miracle Children whose stories are being shared in support of the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Radiothon, presented by CIBC Wood Gundy.

The Radiothon will take place November 4 and 5, sharing the stories of children and families from across Saskatchewan who have received care at the province’s children’s hospital.

Donations made through the Radiothon help support specialized equipment, programs and care for Saskatchewan children.

Ghio’s Miracle Story is sponsored by Co-op Hail Insurance.

More information about Ghio’s story and the Radiothon can be found through the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.