Dying Wish- Stephenie's Bucket List
Hey,
My name is Jonathon and this is my best friend Stephenie! We have been friends for over 15 years :) 
Steph has been a Registered Nurse for 8 years, and before getting cancer, had just transitioned into a new role of Critical Care Nurse. Being a float nurse, she worked on almost every floor in the hospital, something she loved. Not only did it maximize her skill set, she made a whole wack of friends in the people she worked with. She devoted a huge part of her life taking care of other people, and took a lot of pride in being the best nurse she could be. Aside from nursing, her interests include music (she got to sing on-stage with her fave artist Hawksley Workman!), art, camping, road trips and rescuing old/unwanted bulldogs. Stephenie was happy with the simple things in life, and loves her friends and family very much.
In December of 2014, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer at the age of 31. 2015 was an extremely difficult year for Stephenie. She underwent 25 rounds of radiation and oral chemotherapy, which caused her to go into early menopause (therefore, unable to have any children of her own), and excruciating pain. It was very difficult to watch my best friend go through that, but she is definitely a fighter. In April 2015, she started Chemotherapy. 
Starting chemotherapy, we were all hopeful, especially Stephenie. Shortly after, Steph was told the cancer had spread not only to her liver, but there were a few small spots on one of her lungs. Despite this horrifying news, Stephenie continued onward, and maintained a positive outlook.
In July 2015, Stephenie had 60% of her liver removed in hopes of clearing her liver of all cancer. The surgery was said to be successful and she started to feel better and stronger with each passing day. She was then able to move onto the next step in the plan, which was once again, more IV chemotherapy. This time, however, even while on the chemo, her primary tumour grew and it just barely kept the cancer in her lung at bay.
In January 2016, Stephenie faced more surgery. This time it was a big one with even more risks, but it was time to get rid of the primary tumour. Once again, she was dealing with more extreme pain, and was pretty much bed-bound for almost 2.5 months. But all of this was being done in the hopes of one day being cured.
All of these surgeries in a relative short period of time, have left Stephenie with some difficult complications. However, she somehow manages to smile, and put on a brave face for us. Even though she is the one who is facing the unthinkable, she still tries to comfort the people around her. She has her good days and her bad days, but she truly is a fighter. 
In March 2016, Stephenie went for routine scans before starting up yet another round of chemotherapy. This is when it was discovered that the cancer was back in her liver, and throughout both lungs. There will be no cure for her. She could go back on chemo to try and keep things at bay, but the type of cancer Steph has, mutates to fight whatever is trying to kill it, and last time the chemo had no good effects. It was in her best interest to stop all of the harsh treatments she has been putting herself through for the past year and a bit, and just focus on spending her time with friends and family. Her oncologist told her she may only have 6 months to live.
Stephenie was devastated.
We were devastated
BUT, Stephenie is definitely a one of a kind person. She has always put others first before herself and would literally give the shirt off her back to those in need.
Stephenie may be dying, but she is not dead yet, and she is not giving up. The choice to stop treatment was made recently, and as stated above, she wants to devote what time she has left to complete some items on her Bucket List, with her family and friends at her side.
Stephenie wants to do as much as she can before she dies, and could use some help. Some of the things Stephenie wants to do is go on a trip, do the CN tower edge walk, and rent a cottage in the Muskokas for a week as she loves nature and the outdoors. There are many things Stephenie wants to do this summer and she needs our help to make these things happen.
In times of need, Stephenie has always gone above and beyond for everyone, and never expects anything in return. Her altruistic nature is a rare find. Her passion for life is teaching everyone who comes into contact with her to truly live each day as though it were your last, and that is what Stephenie intends to do with the time she has left.
Anything you can donate would be greatly appreciated. And please, share away!!!
Stephenie has obviously been off work and on disability since this nightmare began. I would like to give her an amazing summer, one to go down in history! Anything you can donate would be greatly appreciated. And please, share away!!!
Stephenie also has a "Team Stephenie" page https://www.facebook.com/Stepheniesfightagainstcancer/?fref=ts
Here you can read her story, and get updates! She uses this Facebook page as a cathartic means to express her fears, joys and triumphs.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I love this girl so much. And if I wasn't gay, I would have married her 10 years ago. She is such an amazing person, and anyone who comes into contact with her becomes mesmerized by her talent, kindness, and her dedication to family and friends. 
Cheers
Jonathon Isabella
