Aiden Chester Tenthorey-Tversky, 18, was the teenager who loved heavy metal and dreamt of joining a band. He was talented with the drums and guitar and an impactful music writer. That was his dream for a long part of his life. Aiden's musical hero was Ozzy Osbourne, the face and voice of Black Sabbath, sounds that brought motivation and joy to Aiden's life, inspiring his creative and musical abilities. 

Aiden was also the teenager who was fighting cancer. He was diagnosed in 2010 with acute myeloid leukemia, a very serious blood cancer. Aiden endured two bone marrow transplants and one stem cell transplant. Each time, having to stay extensively long months in a hospital away from his home. Not only did Aiden not have proper structure in his life resulting from the complexity of cancer, often he did not even get the chance to settle down in one hospital without quickly being transferred to another one. 

We do hope that one day there will be dedicated children's oncology and transplant centres across Canada with access to all cancer treatments and serve children, teens and young-adults within one building or close-by building(s.)

We hope for this so that youth and their families will not be required to travel outside of their familiarity and so that young adults will not age out of the hospital's services once they turn 18.

Aiden became himself again during remission but when the cancer returned, for the 3rd time, this time in his spine, Aiden made a humble decision on his own that enough is enough. He was not going to let cancer win anymore. He bravely opted for palliative end of life care instead of enduring any more life-limiting treatment and invasive procedures, away from the ones he loved. He did this, not as surrender, but as a final act of determination and love for his family. Aiden knew that he wanted to truly live life, feel good and strong enough to enjoy the time he had left with his family. Aiden wanted to go home to be with all of his friends and family and so that is what he did. 

Brave Aiden went home to his own room, video games, jam sessions with his buddies and a whole lot of stand up comedy shows. He passed away on January 31, 2016. Aiden had this courage, wisdom, and free spirit that far exceeded his 18 years on this planet. He is still deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Aiden Chester Tenthorey-Tversky September 17, 1998 - January 31, 2016.