In a heartwarming display of community and hope, five-year-old Oscar Saxelby-Lee, affectionately known as Bear, has ignited the nation’s spirit in his fight against a rare form of cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Diagnosed after his parents noticed unexplained bruising, the race was on to find a stem cell match for Oscar, in the critical months following his diagnosis.
In an unprecedented response, over 10,000 individuals were moved by Oscar’s story, braving hours in the rain to get tested, showcasing the incredible support from the community. Triumphantly, three matches were found, boosting the young fighter’s chances of beating cancer and sparking a glimpse of hope among his family and supporters.
Currently undergoing chemotherapy at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Oscar, with the unwavering strength of a real bear, awaits his life-saving stem cell transplant. His mother, Olivia Saxelby, shared the news on social media, overwhelming gratitude pouring out for the outpouring of support that has brought them to this hopeful juncture.
The journey, once fraught with dread, has been transformed into one of hope and anticipation for Oscar’s recovery, thanks to the collective efforts of thousands. Oscar’s parents, Olivia and Jamie Lee acknowledged that this milestone was made possible by the kindness of strangers and the relentless spirit of their beloved son.
In a remarkable show of solidarity, nearly 5,000 people gathered at Oscar’s school, led by headteacher Sarah Keating, setting a new record for the charity DKMS in their largest single registration event to date. The overwhelming turnout, with participants traveling from across the UK, underscores the profound impact of Oscar’s fight on the hearts of many.
Amidst this wave of support, Oscar’s parents received further encouraging news: the chemotherapy had finally made a dent in his cancer cells. Despite the hardships endured, including multiple rounds of treatment and loss of mobility, Oscar’s resilience shines brightly, bolstered by the love and support of his family, the community, and even strangers moved by his bravery.
As Oscar’s parents, childhood sweethearts who faced this unimaginable challenge just as they were starting a new chapter in their lives, they’ve witnessed their son’s incredible journey to becoming the symbol of hope for many. The ordeal has brought to light not only the severity of Oscar’s condition but the indomitable spirit of a child and the power of a community united in compassion and action.
And as a result, thanks to Oscar’s incredible resilience and the unwavering support from tens of thousands, the young Bear has finally beat cancer, and is now living his second year in his life cancer-free! What an incredibly happy ending to a magical story of courage and endurance! And, to add more good news, Oscar even welcomed a new baby brother into his life last June. We can only imagine the joy of both the boy and his parents. After all they’ve been through, this is the perfect outcome that proves all efforts never go unrewarded.
