We’re turning pain into purpose

That’s how Rosie describes the mission of Isabella’s Warriors, a movement born from the strength and legacy of her daughter, Isabella.

Isabella was a vibrant, funny, and deeply compassionate young woman who left an indelible mark on those around her. She loved to read and dance, had a quick wit, and a knack for delivering dad jokes with perfect timing. She found joy in making others laugh, often at her own expense. “She had a good soul. She was always smiling, always putting others first,” says Rosie.

She was also a dreamer. She had set her sights on teaching English in South Korea and was finishing her certification, saving up, and updating all her health checks to make that happen.

In December 2022, Isabella went for a routine eye exam as part of her preparation to teach abroad. Isabella’s optometrist noticed blood behind her eyes. Often an early sign of diabetes, her doctor ordered blood work. The test results suggested something more alarming than diabetes. On January 23, Isabella received an urgent call while at work that she needed to get to the hospital immediately. Within hours, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a form of blood cancer, and transferred to Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre to begin treatment.

From the moment of her diagnosis, Isabella faced an uphill battle. The treatment plan was grueling. She endured the painful lumbar punctures, the side effects of chemotherapy, multiple bone marrow aspirations and biopsies, a major blood clot in her brain and the endless hospital visits with fierce determination. When she was told she was in remission after the first phase of treatment, there was hope. But then came another blow when doctors discovered a chromosomal abnormality that made relapse almost inevitable. A stem cell transplant would be the best option to prevent the cancer’s return.

It was then that Isabella’s family and friends sprang into action.

“This is the first time for a lot of her friends experiencing somebody so close to them being diagnosed and then having to go through transplant,” remembers Rosie. “But instead of shutting down, they rallied.”

They launched a campaign to support patients just like Isabella by encouraging their networks to donate blood, get on the stem cell donor registry, and donate to support Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre. Friends, family, and even strangers stepped up. Isabella’s story spread, inspiring hundreds to take action.

Shortly before Isabella’s transplant, they held a football tournament that raised over $14,000! Then, Isabella’s parents topped up the donation to make it an even $15,000.

On July 20, 2023, Isabella received her stem cell transplant – a day her family called her “rebirthday.” But the journey didn’t get easier. Complications arose almost immediately. The transplant didn’t fully graft, leading to a series of devastating health challenges, including a relentless condition known as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which attacked her gastrointestinal system as well as her liver. She endured nine hospital admissions, totaling 188 days, each one more challenging than the last. “The hospital became our home for a long time,” says Rosie. “And the staff became our family.”

Despite her suffering, Isabella remained a fighter. Even when the illness took a toll on her mental health, she pressed forward. She longed for normalcy, for days filled with reading, dancing, laughter, and planning for her future. But the battle was relentless, and on March 14, 2024, Isabella passed away. She was only 23.

Her mother Rosie, father Nick, brother Johnny, and all those who loved Isabella refuse to let her story end in sorrow. They have turned their pain into purpose, carrying forward the mission of Isabella’s Warriors to support those battling cancer. Their most recent undertaking, a golf tournament in 2024 and 2025, raised $9,000 and more than $10,000 respectively. Her dance studio also fundraised and launched a scholarship in her honour. Her light, humour, and kindness remain a guiding force for all who knew her and all who have been inspired to fight in her name.

Play Games and Fundraise to Help Kids on November 8, 2025.

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When Cody was born, doctors at his local hospital in Cambridge feared the worst. He had Caudal Regression Syndrome, a rare condition affecting about one in 60,000 births. Born without a sacrum and with severely underdeveloped legs and feet, his family was told he likely wouldn’t survive the night. But the outlook changed when he was transferred to McMaster Children’s Hospital. 

Today, Cody is 35 and thriving. He has two beautiful kids, a career he enjoys, legs that carry him wherever he needs to go, and a heart that still beats with gratitude for the care that shaped his life. 

Cody spent much of the first year of his life at McMaster Children’s Hospital, visiting every two weeks to have his feet cast in hopes of reshaping them for walking. Later, he underwent major surgeries to fuse his feet to his shin bones, since he was born without ankles. These procedures gave him the ability to stand and walk. Recovery meant weeks in heavy casts, time in a wheelchair, and years of follow-up care. 

Despite the challenges, Cody’s memories of being a MacKid are positive. “I never remember being scared while I was there,” he says. “I remember everyone was very nice and I remember the toy rooms and play areas.” Those spaces gave him comfort and introduced him to one of his lifelong hobbies: video games. 

Years later, that passion became a way to give back. Through Extra Life – a community of gamers who fundraise for children’s hospitals across North America – Cody found the perfect way to support the hospital that gave him so much. Each year, participants take on a 24-hour gaming marathon, rallying donations to help local kids. 

“I thought it was such a cool idea,” Cody says. “When I found out I could fundraise specifically for McMaster Children’s Hospital, it felt perfect.” He invited friends to join him, and they jumped at the chance. 

Now in his 10th year of fundraising, Cody says his motivation is simple: “I do it for the many other children and families in need of a miracle.” 

Funds raised through Extra Life support essential equipment, innovative research, and programs that make hospital stays easier for kids, like child life specialists who provide comfort during procedures and playrooms where kids can just be kids. 

By sharing his story and his passion for gaming, Cody is helping ensure that McMaster Children’s Hospital continues to provide life-changing care.  Support Cody’s fundraiser and join him in helping make miracles happen for families across our region. 

“The team at McMaster Children’s Hospital gave me not just medical care, but hope,” he says. “Because of this, I was given opportunity I otherwise would never have had. I have been able to build a life I did not believe I could. I’ll forever be grateful to the teams who helped me become the person I am today.” 

Join Extra Life and make a difference for kids at McMaster Children’s Hospital

Be like Cody and make your game day matter. By joining Extra Life, you’re helping bring joy, comfort, and essential care to kids at McMaster Children’s Hospital. 

With Extra Life, supporting MacKids isn’t just easy, it’s fun! Join them on game day, November 8, 2025, to play games and heal kids. 

Every dollar raised goes directly to funding crucial programs that enhance the care and comfort of children during their hospital stay. Extra Life fundraisers are vital for McMaster Children’s Hospital to continue providing the specialized care and resources that young patients need. 

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