October 4, 2025 - Nyah’s Journey: An 11-Year-Old Who Turned Fear into Hope

In November 2023, Nyah’s dad was suddenly diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, life changed in an instant.  At just 11 years old, she watched her father undergo emergency chemotherapy, feeling helpless but determined to make a difference.

While her little sister was writing letters to Santa, Nyah was planning a way to give back.  She launched the “Fight Cancer with These 4 C’s Fundraiser,” offering handmade Christmas cards, homemade hot chocolate, candy canes, and hot apple cider.  What began as a small idea quickly grew.  She set up stands at her dad’s veterinary clinic and on her front porch, with family, friends, neighbours, and even strangers donating. Nyah’s Oji encouraged her, joking, “Raise $100 and you can shave my head!”

The outpouring of support was overwhelming.  In the end, Nyah raised an incredible $7,000 — that gift funded a brand-new chemo chair at the Waterloo Regional Health Network Cancer Centre — a chair just like the one her dad sat in during his treatments.  The chair bears Nyah’s name as a symbol of hope, compassion, and the power of community.

Today, her dad has returned to health and continues to pursue his passion working with his furry patients, and Nyah continues to give back to her community by receiving donations instead of birthday gifts.