I am humbly calling upon friends, family and community far and wide to offer support for Angela as she undergoes treatment for cancer. I know without a doubt that Angela will beat this, and with the support from her community, we can help make this very challenging time in her life a little more easeful.

Why Angela means so much to me and Why I am organizing this fundraiser:

Angela is my older cousin, and quite honestly she was the big sister I never had! Growing up with two younger sisters I was always the oldest and did everything first. I had no problem with this, but deep down I always wanted to know what it would be like to have a big sister.

When I was lucky enough to hang out with my super cool slightly older cousin Angela, I was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed! I just thought she was so so cool. From family camping trips when we were young, to visiting her in Vancouver as a teen, Angela was always a few steps ahead of me in life. I remember her picking me up from the ferry one time in her old red Toyota Tercel, and I always felt so comfortable and easeful in her presence, while also admiring her so much.

When Angela became a mom, babies were foreign objects to me. I remember visiting her in Calgary and witnessing her son Leo take some of his first steps at a park. Leo may have been the first baby I actually held (probably very awkwardly...) Watching Angela as a mom and how she flows through the balancing act of family life and work while still finding time for herself and her friends is a huge inspiration for me as I am now a mother too.

As a business owner myself I have so much respect for Angela for following her passion and gifts by opening her own hair salon. Although I am sure Angela and myself can both agree, while being your own boss has many perks it also has big challenges. Especially as a single mama to two young, very active boys. Being unable to work at her business for at least 4 months will not only be challenging financially but also emotionally because I know Angela has so much passion for her business that she has built from the ground up. As a self-employed person, Angela does not have medical leave benefits so while she is not working she will have no income, yet expenses as a business owner still need to be paid.

How Your Support Will Be Used:

Donations will go towards living expenses for Angela and her kids, Leo and Ellis, as Angela cannot work for minimum 4 months while in treatment, sports and activities for the boys which is so important for their mental health, as well as expenses for Angela’s hair salon.

It is not easy to ask for and accept support like this, and Angela is eternally grateful.

Thank you for your donations and positive energy as Angela embarks on this journey of healing.

xoxo

Carolyn Schmidt, Vancouver BC