Lodging during cancer treatment for my big sister

In December 2017, my sister got what should have been a very straight forward skin cancer diagnosis. She had the lesion removed from her head in early 2018 and a few months later, she lost almost complete mobility. She then spent the next year and a half going from doctor to doctor and hospital to hospital getting what felt like every test under the sun -- only to get no clear diagnosis and a continually changing treatment plan.

 

With her mobility mostly back, but lingering daily pain, this past year Tara found strength in painting. Then, in September of this year (on my dad's 65th birthday, actually!), we learned the original lesion on her head had not been completely removed; the lump behind her ear that the dermatologist was "certain" was only a cyst, turned out to be cancer that had spread from her head to her neck.

 

Given the unexpected nature and gravity of the diagnosis and the relative lack of care options in her hometown, Tara was referred to Toronto for extensive (10 hours) head, neck, and chest surgery, which was performed last month by a SUPERSTAR medical team (silver linings people, silver linings!). My sister is now home healing as we prepare for the next steps, which we have just learned include a complete body scan as "she is at a high risk for further local and regional recurrence and distant disease" (YIKES) and radiation and chemotherapy.

 

The medical team has said it is important for this follow-up treatment to take place in Toronto (Princess Margaret). However, due to the ongoing and ever-changing pandemic situation, the lodge where out-of-town patients are usually directed is closed. So, I am starting this fund in the hopes of collecting money to help relieve at least some part of my family's stress. Specifically, any funds raised will be used to help pay for lodging (and related parking and eating) expenses in Toronto during my sister's treatment, which we have been told will be at least 7 weeks long beginning in January OR EARLIER.

 

I have always looked up to my sister and known her to be a strong and determined woman. Over the past four years this has been confirmed time and time again. Anyone who knows Tara (and the rest of our immediate family) knows not only how difficult this time as been, but how difficult it is for them (ok, us) to ask for and accept help. And so, I thank you all for reading this and for any support you can give -- including well wishes, which I will be sure to share with Tara, her partner (Shawn), our siblings (Bobby, Mark), parents (Ray, Gail), nephews (Jordan, Logan) and wider support network on your behalf as she continues to heal and we continue to generate and gather strength together.