Help Kelsey Kick Cancer
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Kelsey De Sousa. Mother. Wife. Daughter. Friend. Sister. Aunt. Granddaughter. Niece. Cousin. Entrepreneur.
Kelsey is young. She is 31. Up until recently, her story might be similar to someone you know. She has 3 young kids--Rowan, a 5-year old, rambunctious boy that loves adventure. Autumn, a 3-year old that loves princesses and anything that sparkles and Bodi, a 1-year old tag-along that wants to be big like his siblings. She runs this active household with her husband and best friend, Tyler, who has been by her side since 2004, when they were just kids themselves growing up in the small towns of Tottenham and Beeton. Now living in Angus, Kelsey juggles the same things we all do--she balances the responsibilities of her business and family seemingly effortlessly and with a smile, and a lot of laughter. Recently she has been worried, like so many others, how she was going to add home-schooling to the mix.
Her story changed drastically in ways that will forever affect those around her--especially those closest; Tyler and the kids.
In late 2020, Kelsey found a small lump in her breast. She booked an appointment for an exam with her family doctor and was sent on her way with a requisition for an ultrasound & a mammogram. However, at her appointment it was decided that because of her young age, a mammogram wouldn’t be necessary. Initially fearing the worst, she was notified days later that it was simply a cyst. It was recommended that she follow up in 4 to 6 months to see if there was any progression.
By the time March came, Kelsey noticed that her once small lump had nearly quadrupled in size--she took her health into her own hands and called the hospital to move up her ultrasound appointment. Sensing her urgency, her request was granted. On March 26, 2021, Kelsey went to the appointment that would end with an unexpected twist. Kelsey had thought that perhaps her cyst might need to be drained, however, the radiologist immediately called for a mammogram. The findings of that ultrasound and mammogram were concerning, and she was referred to the specialized Breast Clinic, Diagnostic Assessment unit at Southlake Hospital in Newmarket. Kelsey once again had an ultrasound and mammogram to confirm what she never thought was possible.
On April 9, 2021, Kesley and Tyler sat across from a doctor that announced to them that Kelsey had Triple Negative Breast Cancer--an aggressive form of cancer that would require further assessment to determine its progression. During the time of initial diagnosis, Kelsey had also undergone three biopsies on both her breasts and her lymph nodes.
The days following her initial diagnosis were filled with uncertainty, fear and the unknown. She had multiple tests done; a CT Scan, a Bone Scan, an MRI, an Ultrasound on her heart, and genetic testing. Through these tests and after excruciating periods of waiting, her medical team was able to confirm what she and her husband feared-- that her cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. The tumor had at the time grown to 4 inches in size and is extremely aggressive. Kelsey has Stage 3 cancer.
As with any cancer, there is a treatment plan that is based on the team’s knowledge of Kelsey’s type of cancer at the time of diagnosis. Currently, her treatment plan is to undergo 16 weeks of chemotherapy, delivered through her recently inserted PICC line, at Southlake beginning Friday, April 23. This means she will be in Newmarket for two days every other week. Following that, and dependent upon further test results, she will be scheduled for surgery that may involve both breasts, surrounding tissues and her ovaries. After her successful surgery, she will then complete one month of daily radiation treatment.
Kelsey’s cancer diagnosis means that she will no longer be able to run her business. She is self-employed at her home-based hair salon as a stylist but due to her fragile immune system she cannot be around others as it may compromise her health--but that’s not where it ends for her. Her husband is also self-employed as an independent contractor. This husband and wife team both have worked hard to create successful businesses to support their young family and give their children a beautiful life. While we are lucky enough to have a health care system that supports us when we become ill, the cost of cancer far surpasses that support. The hope is that friends, family and the community can help take the financial pressure and worry off Kelsey and Tyler so they can best support each other and their children while focusing on Kelsey’s treatment and recovery.
Everything is hard for everyone right now. So hard. The smallest contribution will help Kelsey and Tyler get through this struggle, create time for them to be together, bring them some peace, or even just a cup of coffee in the waiting room. Your contribution will help Tyler stand strong for Kelsey without the worry of financial burden. In 2008, Tyler lost his father to cancer. Kelsey stood by him during his father’s battle. Through that experience, they know very well the time commitment necessary to fight the good fight, and that time together is precious. Without knowing what the future will bring, we hope that we can help them spend this time as worry-free as possible with their kids. Sharing this page or sending out your positive thoughts and optimism will also help immensely.
We will provide regular updates as Kelsey faces each hurdle--and it is with hope, faith and a lot of love that Kelsey will Kick Cancer.
Kelsey is young. She is 31. Up until recently, her story might be similar to someone you know. She has 3 young kids--Rowan, a 5-year old, rambunctious boy that loves adventure. Autumn, a 3-year old that loves princesses and anything that sparkles and Bodi, a 1-year old tag-along that wants to be big like his siblings. She runs this active household with her husband and best friend, Tyler, who has been by her side since 2004, when they were just kids themselves growing up in the small towns of Tottenham and Beeton. Now living in Angus, Kelsey juggles the same things we all do--she balances the responsibilities of her business and family seemingly effortlessly and with a smile, and a lot of laughter. Recently she has been worried, like so many others, how she was going to add home-schooling to the mix.
Her story changed drastically in ways that will forever affect those around her--especially those closest; Tyler and the kids.
In late 2020, Kelsey found a small lump in her breast. She booked an appointment for an exam with her family doctor and was sent on her way with a requisition for an ultrasound & a mammogram. However, at her appointment it was decided that because of her young age, a mammogram wouldn’t be necessary. Initially fearing the worst, she was notified days later that it was simply a cyst. It was recommended that she follow up in 4 to 6 months to see if there was any progression.
By the time March came, Kelsey noticed that her once small lump had nearly quadrupled in size--she took her health into her own hands and called the hospital to move up her ultrasound appointment. Sensing her urgency, her request was granted. On March 26, 2021, Kelsey went to the appointment that would end with an unexpected twist. Kelsey had thought that perhaps her cyst might need to be drained, however, the radiologist immediately called for a mammogram. The findings of that ultrasound and mammogram were concerning, and she was referred to the specialized Breast Clinic, Diagnostic Assessment unit at Southlake Hospital in Newmarket. Kelsey once again had an ultrasound and mammogram to confirm what she never thought was possible.
On April 9, 2021, Kesley and Tyler sat across from a doctor that announced to them that Kelsey had Triple Negative Breast Cancer--an aggressive form of cancer that would require further assessment to determine its progression. During the time of initial diagnosis, Kelsey had also undergone three biopsies on both her breasts and her lymph nodes.
The days following her initial diagnosis were filled with uncertainty, fear and the unknown. She had multiple tests done; a CT Scan, a Bone Scan, an MRI, an Ultrasound on her heart, and genetic testing. Through these tests and after excruciating periods of waiting, her medical team was able to confirm what she and her husband feared-- that her cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. The tumor had at the time grown to 4 inches in size and is extremely aggressive. Kelsey has Stage 3 cancer.
As with any cancer, there is a treatment plan that is based on the team’s knowledge of Kelsey’s type of cancer at the time of diagnosis. Currently, her treatment plan is to undergo 16 weeks of chemotherapy, delivered through her recently inserted PICC line, at Southlake beginning Friday, April 23. This means she will be in Newmarket for two days every other week. Following that, and dependent upon further test results, she will be scheduled for surgery that may involve both breasts, surrounding tissues and her ovaries. After her successful surgery, she will then complete one month of daily radiation treatment.
Kelsey’s cancer diagnosis means that she will no longer be able to run her business. She is self-employed at her home-based hair salon as a stylist but due to her fragile immune system she cannot be around others as it may compromise her health--but that’s not where it ends for her. Her husband is also self-employed as an independent contractor. This husband and wife team both have worked hard to create successful businesses to support their young family and give their children a beautiful life. While we are lucky enough to have a health care system that supports us when we become ill, the cost of cancer far surpasses that support. The hope is that friends, family and the community can help take the financial pressure and worry off Kelsey and Tyler so they can best support each other and their children while focusing on Kelsey’s treatment and recovery.
Everything is hard for everyone right now. So hard. The smallest contribution will help Kelsey and Tyler get through this struggle, create time for them to be together, bring them some peace, or even just a cup of coffee in the waiting room. Your contribution will help Tyler stand strong for Kelsey without the worry of financial burden. In 2008, Tyler lost his father to cancer. Kelsey stood by him during his father’s battle. Through that experience, they know very well the time commitment necessary to fight the good fight, and that time together is precious. Without knowing what the future will bring, we hope that we can help them spend this time as worry-free as possible with their kids. Sharing this page or sending out your positive thoughts and optimism will also help immensely.
We will provide regular updates as Kelsey faces each hurdle--and it is with hope, faith and a lot of love that Kelsey will Kick Cancer.
Organizer and beneficiary
Nicole Phillips De Sousa
Organizer
Everett, ON
Kelsey De Sousa
Beneficiary