It was during an emotional ceremony last October that a six-year-old boy, diagnosed with leukemia one year earlier, became an honorary member of RCMP Cadet Troop 15.
On New Year’s Day, Keian Blundell lost his battle with leukemia. In memory of his passing, Troop 15 cadets sported “Team Keian” T-shirts made by Blundell’s family, under their Red Serge uniforms during their graduation ceremony in Regina on March 10.
Last week, Burnaby Staff Sgt. Maj. John Buis presented the Blundell family with a commemorative photo from the graduation, including a photo of all the cadets wearing their Keian Blundell memorial T-shirts.
Keian Blundell became the second youth given an honorary place within the RCMP. He became an honorary member of Troop 15 after the Blundell’s family friend and RCMP cadetMark Peterse suggested the Mounties do something special for the boy. Peterse had seen coverage of the Burnaby Musical Ride event where NOW photographer Larry Wright’s son, Casey, was given his very own Red Serge.
On Oct. 31, 2013, Buis surprised Keian and his family at Canuck Place, where they were staying while Keian underwent treatment for leukemia, and presented the youngster with his own Red Serge and authentic RCMP Stetson.
At the time, Keian’s father Ryan Blundell told the NOW his son was about to burst with excitement when Buis walked into the room.
“It makes you really remember how much humanity looks out for each other,” Blundell said. “A lot of people might feel alone in the world – especially in this situation … dealing with kids with cancer – but just the fact that absolute strangers are able to reach out for the sake of just helping or bringing a smile to someone’s face.”
