Hello, 

As you may not have been aware, my mother in law Gina “nanna” Dolhanty was diagnosed with colon cancer in April. Gina’s positive outlook made her battle radiation and chemo for 5 weeks without blinking an eye. 

Unfortunately, on June 21st, one week before treatment was finished, Gina had a massive stroke. Of all strokes to be had; this type is the worst. Her carotid artery on the side of her neck is blocked from the base of her neck to almost her ear. She is in the ICU in Kitchener, Ontario. There is absolutely no time frame as too when or even if she will be leaving. There is absolutely no surgery available as the clot is in the wrong spot and is way too big. She’s lost her words, motor skills on the right side, and some of her memory. She is being so tough, smiles every time we see her and is so happy to see us. The latest up date for her status is basically as follows:

1/3 chance she makes it home sometime with a way of life with minimal implications, that there is help for.

1/3 chance she is disabled with who knows what kind of life.

1/3 chance this is fatal.

Gina needs Joey and Dave by her side as much as possible to help her battle for that outcome we’re all hoping for. Unfortunately both have taken unexpected time off work for who knows how long. Joey will be by his mothers side as long as he can be, and quite possibly will have to fly often from Halifax to be by her side. Dave has taken a leave of absence from his positions in tobermory to also stay by Gina. Both will need help with accommodations, gas, food, flights, etc. Any amount of support you can graciously donate will in turn, be a great amount of support for Gina.

Thank you,
Crystal Sutherland
Joey MacLean-Foster
Dave Eckenswiller
Joyce Steadman
Susan Edmonstone
Melanie Gilbert