A young man’s battle with cancer may be taking him to Indiana for specialized surgery.
    inSide Drumheller brought readers Brandon Hall’s story in its October 16, 2015 edition. The young man, who completed his junior high and part of his high school in Drumheller, was visiting the valley for Thanksgiving, when his mother took him to the family doctor because he wasn’t feeling well. This was the beginning of his battle.  
    Doctors discovered a mass in his abdomen, testicular cancer and lesions on his lungs. One mass was removed and he began chemotherapy treatments.
    Since then, the community has rallied to support Brandon and his family. His aunt started a Gofundme page, and local families, friends acquaintances has shown their support. A group of elementary school students from St. Anthony’s raised more than $500 alone selling hand made rubber bracelets.
     His mother Crystal Hall tells The Mail that his battle continues. So far, the cancer has been resistant to the chemotherapy and it appears that surgery is the only option.
    “It was after the chemo they did a follow-up CT scan and found that nothing had shrunk, and that it has spread,” Crystal said.
 Brandon still has the large mass in his abdomen and two spots in his pelvis that can be removed through one surgery, and they are looking at making arrangements to have it removed in Calgary.
    At the same time, there are more than 100 nodes on his lungs that also require surgery.
    “That is the one we have been told we have to go to Indiana to have treated,” said Chrystal. “We don’t know when we have to travel to Indiana, but I was told we have to get his passport today.”
    “If they can’t get the doctors together here to get the other surgery done, they may do both down there.”
    Right now, they are just waiting.
    This ordeal has hit the family hard, and while it appears Brandon’s surgery is covered by Alberta Health Services, they are waiting to hear whether there are funds for a parent to accompany him.
 Crystal is very appreciative for all the support they have received.
    “I have been brought to tears many time by the support we have been given,” she said.
    The Gofundme campaign is still active to support the family as they support Brandon’s battle with cancer. To support, go to https://www.gofundme.com/fh696fz3

Council Notes
From the Committee of the Whole Meeting February 29, 2016

Mayor Terry Yemen opened the Committee of the Whole meeting with the announcement regarding the funding approval for Flood Mitigation Projects. $6,400,000 will be used in East Midland, Newcastle and downtown Drumheller. Berms will be raised to proper elevations, erosion control armouring and installation of a drainage pipe between North Railway Avenue and the CNR tracks.
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Mayor Yemen proclaimed March as Fraud Prevention Month. The most prevalent fraud happening in Alberta, is where a person identifies themselves as being from Revenue Canada demanding credit card payment on outstanding taxes or they will have you arrested. RCMP are currently working on this scam and having educational seminars with seniors to realize the Canada Revenue Agency does not use these tactics.
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RCMP Staff Sgt. Grant MacDonald presented the Drumheller detachment Performance Plan. Council had suggestions for improvement in areas such as increased visibility, night time check stops, increased foot patrols and further educational programs on Distracted Driving.
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Alberta Health Services Manager of Operations Central Zone, Keri Huot, presented a report on EMS in our area. Drumheller area received 75 “911” calls for an ambulance during a three week period in January. We have two designated ambulances that service our immediate area, one unit is equipped with Advance Life Support and the other with Basic Life Support. Huot stressed that response times are not the only important thing to concentrate on, but more importantly is the proper care once the ambulance arrives.
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Director of Infrastructure Al Kendrick spoke about the modernization of the Aquaplex. Directives from the manufacturer require the pool drained, inspected and tested. The new pool liner, with the gradual entry system, is fabricated out of stainless steel and requires exact specifications and measurements. This pool liner will be shipped in separate pieces and eventually fit inside the existing pool structure. The liner has a twenty year guarantee, requiring specific pre-installment guidelines.
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Nacmine Community Association President Jim Decore has written to the Town and Council about parking issues on Hunter Drive. Director of Protective Services, Greg Peters, has been patrolling regularly, leaving notices on the vehicles and semi-trucks blocking the lane. A second letter was also received from Mr. Decore, requesting street lights being installed on Highway 575 from the Railway Bridge west to the entrance of Nacmine. The letter stated that this portion of the highway is very dark, frequently has deer roaming on it, as well as people and bicycles using the road at all times of the day and night. Council is looking into this issue, as it is a Provincial area of expertise and will forward this concern to the appropriate department.
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