Today we were joined by 2006 Olympic Silver Medalist Justin Warsylewicz. Justin shared with us the story of 12 year old Linden Leugner.

In 2004, Linden's parents noticed that his 4th toe on his right foot was a little bit larger than normal. X-Rays were taken but showed nothing could be done at that time. His parents watched his two grow for the next 2 years. In 2006, their family doctor referred Linden to a surgeon, who indicated he had a cyst growing in his toe. The surgery was performed, however, the surgeon didn't get the entire cyst, as it was entangled around the tendon of Linden's toe. The cyst returned in January of 2007 and was making it's way up Linden's foot. In May of 2007, Linden's toe was amputated. The cyst was sent away for tests, and these tests showed it to be benign. Further studies showed that the cyst on his toe was actually a Desmoid or Fibromatosis Tumor. These tumors are very rare (3 out of a Million people) and very difficult to treat and control. In December of 2007 the tumor came back and was growing up his foot..

The doctor suggested that they put Linden in a special study for this kind of tumor. From January of 2008 to his 12th birthday on June 12th, Linden was put on 14 pills of tamoxifen(same medication as women with breast cancer) 1 3/4 pills of sulindac (same medication of people with Arthritis) and 1 Zantec (to help with upset stomache) every day. An MRI previously taken on June 11th, 2008 indicated that the tumor has increased in size and he was taken off the medication. The family only had two options, Amputate the foot or do radiation treatment.

The family decided to go ahead with radiation to try and save the foot. Unfortunately the Pasqua hospital had one of their radiation machines break down and the waiting list they were put on would push the start time of the radiation back months. So the family went to Saskatoon. Linden was to undergo a month of treatment, starting July 14th.

It has been a long difficult journey for Linden, and that's where Justin Warslewicz comes in. Justin wanted to help however he could. So he took a 2006 Olympic Jacket, worn at the games in Turino, and got the entire Olympic Long Track Speed Skating Team to sign the back. My producer Frank the Tank and I, got in contact with Justin and we thought it would be a great idea to auction the jacket off, Tuesday August 19th, with all proceeds going to Linden and his family to help lessen their financial burden. Below, are two pictures of what the jacket looks like as well as a list of all the signatures included on the back.

Signed by:

Cindy Klassen, Clara Hughes, Vincet Labrie, Kerry Simpson, Christine Nesbitt, Arne Dankers, Shannon Remple, Mike Ireland, Jason Parker, Justin Warsylewicz, Jeremy Wotherspoon, Kristina Groves, Brock Miron, Steven Elm, Denny Morrison, Krisy Myers, Kim Wagner, Brittany Schuzzler and Francois-Olivier Roberge.

As noted before, the auction for this jacket will take place Tuesday, August 19th. Starting at 5:40am and ending at 8:20am. Please help us lessen the financial burden of the Leugner family while Linden get's treatment for his rare tumor. If you would like more information on how to help, contact Lorna Leugner at lorna.leugner@swa.ca or if you would like to make a donation, please visit any Royal Bank and ask to make a deposit to account number 05178-5141882. This account was set up for Linden Leugner.

To bid on this item, contact Frank the Tank @ 936-2563