Devin Paszkiewicz is an enthusiastic gymnast in our Progressive Program. Whether she’s practicing on the beams, bars or trampoline, or laughing with her friends, you’d never guess that outside the gym, she and her family have been navigating an incredibly difficult journey.
For nearly a year, Devin’s 10-year-old brother Weston has been bravely battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a type of cancer that begins in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow. As you can imagine, this has been a long and painful road for their family, marked by significant emotional as well as financial challenges.
We’re proud that North Shore is a place where Devin can let go, have fun and just be a kid. But, we’re more than a gym — we’re a family. And when one of our own is facing something this difficult, our support extends far beyond the mat. This family truly needs our help.
The community has already stepped up in remarkable ways. In addition to being part of the North Shore family, the entire family is deeply rooted in the local hockey community, which has played a vital role in leading this support effort. We at North Shore want to rise to the challenge.
Now, we’re asking for your help.
If you’re able, please consider donating to support the Paszkiewicz family as they continue this fight alongside Weston. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference and helps lighten the load for this incredible North Shore family.
Consider how you can offer support through both encouragement when you see the Paszkiewicz family in the gym and monetary contributions. Let’s show the true strength of the North Shore community!
Venmo (preferred): @WestonsWarriorsÂ
GoFundMe: Join Weston’s Warriors – Beat Leukemia Together
His Journey: Weston’s CaringBridge
Weston’s Warrior Story: A letter from the Orono Hockey Association
Dear friends and community,
Just after Christmas 2024, Weston, a bright and spirited 4th-grade boy from Orono, Minnesota, wasn’t feeling himself, so his parents, John and Danielle Paszkiewicz, took him to the pediatrician, hoping it was something minor. After a few tests, they were sent straight to the Emergency Room at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital—news no parent ever expects to hear. Within days, Weston was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
He was admitted to the ICU, where doctors quickly began an urgent plan to fight the disease. After a bone marrow biopsy, central line placement and heart testing, Weston started his first round of chemotherapy, bravely taking on treatment just hours after his diagnosis.
The coming months were incredibly challenging as Weston faced intensive chemotherapy and immunotherapy, followed by long hospital stays to help his body recover. His journey was marked by courage, love, and an unbreakable spirit that inspired everyone around him.
Now, Weston is coming home to be with his family after a courageous battle with leukemia. As you can imagine, this has been an emotional and financial strain on the Paszkiewicz family. Between medical expenses, time away from work, and preparing their home for Weston’s comfort, they are facing challenges no family should have to face alone.
John and Danielle have always been the first to give back to their community. John is actively involved in Orono’s youth baseball and hockey associations and also serves as a volunteer firefighter in Long Lake—always ready to lend a hand to those in need. Danielle has spent over 15 years as a nurse, compassionately caring for others in our community. Now, it’s our turn to rally around them with the same love and support they’ve given so many.
We are asking for donations—no matter how small—to help ease their burden and allow them to focus on what truly matters: spending precious time together. Your support will go toward medical costs, home care needs, and helping the family make Weston’s precious time filled with love, joy, and meaningful memories. Every contribution helps bring moments of happiness, comfort, and laughter as they cherish their time together.
