Lori's Story - A Fight Against "GBM"

Lori's Story: - At the end of October / 2017, Lori Gallant was suddenly diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (also known as "GBM"). A terminal diagnosis - its the very same brain cancer that Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip had recently battled. - At 58 years young, Lori has been married for 38 years, is a mother of three and grandmother to six. Anyone that knows her, would tell you that family is her everything. - It was pure shock when the doctors explained what this was, followed by an onrush of fear. Due to the location of Lori's GBM (near the brain stem and spinal cord), her tumour is inoperable. The tumour is in an area that controls motor functions, and has caused complete numbness on the entire left side of her body. This causes extreme weakness / imbalance & nerve pain, and resulted in the use of a wheelchair in most situations. For more information on GBM, including other side effects, see below. - Nearly complete all of her radiation and chemotherapy treatments (5 days week x 6 weeks), her final treatment date is scheduled for January 4th / 2018. A very difficult and aggressive treatment plan, but she is a warrior & giving this fight everything she has. - The first one to lend a hand and the last one to ask for it... we want to aid in this fight against cancer. Lori was left unable to continue working & George has left his job to be her primary caregiver. Although our health care system covers many things, certain treatments /medications & items needed for access and mobility are out of pocket - this adds a level of stress that we can help with. We can be a team and support network, we can help Lori and George, along with other families who are dealing with brain cancers. A portion of funds raised will be donated to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada - who offer individuals and families alike, the support they need. For more information on what they offer, or how you can get involved see below. https://www.braintumour.ca/ - Thank you to everyone who has asked how Lori is doing, sent well wishes / positive energy & prayers. To everyone offering to bring food, for visiting on the good days and for offering to be there on the bad... for wanting to help in anyway possible, we are forever grateful. #fuckcancer GBM information: https://www.braintumour.ca/4869/glioblastoma-multiforme - Glioblastomas (GBM) are tumors that arise from astrocytes—the star-shaped cells that make up the “glue-like,” or supportive tissue of the brain. These tumors are usually highly malignant (cancerous) because the cells reproduce quickly and they are supported by a large network of blood vessels. - Because GBM can grow rapidly, the most common symptoms are usually caused by increased pressure in the brain. These symptoms can includes headache, nausea, vomiting, Android drowsiness. Depending on the location of the tumor, patients can develop a variety of other symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, memory and/or speech difficulties, and visual changes. - Representing approximately 12-15% of primary brain cancers, it is more commonly found in men than women.