Hi everyone,

This feels strange, odd and a little over whelming to do, but I believe this is the best way I can help the most important woman in my life.

For those who know me, thanks for stopping by to read our story, for those who don’t know me, my name is Jessica, and below is why I’m asking for your help.

The lady in the photo above is Sandra (Sandy) Gillam. She’s my mom. The very best mom on this planet, not only to me, but my 5 siblings as well, ranging in age from 32(me) to 15 years of age.

Beyond a mom, she is the BEST grandma, a loving auntie, friend,full time care giver & my very best friend. She was a dedicated foster parent for years, volunteered at all the school functions and trips, and never sat still for too long. If you’ve had the pleasure of knowing my mom, you would know that this woman loves fiercely, deeply and with every fibre of her being. She prides her self on her independence, her ability to give everyone & everything her all, her fun, extravagant get togethers no matter how big or small the occasion, she loves to celebrate people!

As of 2021 my mom has, unfortunately, not been able to do any of the things she loves. She is now in the process of being a double lung transplant recipient.

It all started in October 2021, mom felt short of breathe and not much like herself. She went to the hospital where they said she had a blood clot in her lungs. They monitored her, gave her medication and sent her on her way. It didn’t get better, she went back to the hospital as her breathing got progressively worse. She was admitted to the hospital at this time for monitoring as she needed continual oxygen support, and X-rays showed some sort of cloudiness or scaring on her lungs. She was referred to the local pulmonary doctor.After a few days oxygen support was set up at home and she was able to come home. Mom continued to see the physician here in Smiths Falls and had test after test performed to see what was happening but nothing came back definitive and we were left wondering.

January 2022, her ability to breathe got progressively worse. She went back to the hospital where she was then admitted into the ICU for over a week with Covid pneumonia. She required high flow oxygen support. From there she was referred to the lung specialist at Hotel Dieu in Kingston. She’s had test after test performed, biopsies etc, and the final diagnosis is “Idopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis” (IPF) - basically scarring of the lungs without a known cause.

Mom never smoked a day in her life. She didn’t do anything that you’d typically expect of someone experiencing these issues. It’s been a lot to process and even more to come to terms with.

Within one year my mom went from an otherwise healthy & active 51 year old woman, to relying on 24/7 oxygen support, with only 33% lung capacity left.

The only “Cure” to IPF is to receive a lung transplant, which of course comes with its own set of complications and concerns.

My mom is a fighter and she doesn’t go down easily. She’s done every single thing needed of her to make sure she can qualify as a transplant recipient, and it’s finally happening!

We’re in talks with Toronto General Hospital Transplant team. I am hoping to fundraise for my mom to provide relief of some of the financial stress that comes along with this! There will be many trips back and forth to Toronto for testing, and a relocation once placed on the list.

She still has teenage kids at home so between myself & other family members in the area, we will be making sure everything functions here, while supporting her in Toronto, as well. We’re so very fortunate to have amazing family members in TO who are willing and able to help us as well.

I am sure there are bits and pieces missing, maybe some that doesn’t make sense at this point, but all I ask is that you consider helping give the breathe of relief and life to my mom. Please share far and wide.

Thank you everyone!

Jessica