Earlier this year, one of Fiona's best friends of many years was found dead in his bed unexpectedly. Bill was like a big brother to her for many years and it was a major shock. Autopsy showed he died of non alcoholic liver disease. Fiona went down to California for his funeral and stayed with and spent time with her best friend of 36 years, Linda.
8 weeks later, Linda was found dead in bed, also unexpectedly. Autopsy revealed a heart attack. Fiona was absolutely devastated and heartbroken!

On the day that Linda passed away, Fiona started experiencing intense pain under her right ribs. She thought maybe it was a reaction to the loss of her best friend. However, the pain intensified and resonated up into her right shoulder and continued for 3 days. She went to the clinic to get checked out and had blood tests and an x-ray. She was called to come back the next day to get another blood test. An hour later, the clinic called her and told her to check herself into the ER with a suspected blood clot. After checking in and more blood tests and being whisked off for scans, she was told they would need to check her in for the night and an oncologist would come and see her in the morning! This was no blood clot!

The oncologist showed up and informed Fiona she has secondary liver cancer, stage 4! More scans and biopsies were ordered and 3 weeks later, her oncologist confirmed she had colon cancer that had metastasized to her right ovary and liver and without treatment was obligated to tell her that she may have six months to live and with treatment 18-24 months. Research shows 14% lived to 5 years and some maybe longer. Fiona was told the treatment is not a cure and would need to continue until she decides on quality over quantity of life!

Fiona is now nearing the end of her first round of chemo and will have a PET scan next month to determine if treatment is working.She is also nearing the end of the maximum amount of medical leave available and will be faced with the choice of quitting treatment so she can go back to work, as she will have no income otherwise, or limiting treatment to work part time. Fiona works as a therapist in the rehab department of a skilled nursing facility which is a high risk environment, especially during this time of COVID-19. She has worked with many people helping them get back to health, so they can go back to their previous residence and family.

Fiona has a 3 year old Sheltie that she has taken in to the facility on her time off for the past 2 years to visit her patients and long term residents to raise their spirits. They have all enjoyed meeting Bodhi and ask about him all the time when she is working. One resident saves her bacon from breakfast to give to Bodhi.

Fiona has opened her heart and worked hard to help others for many years and needs your help to continue her fight for life.

Family and friends have contributed generously to this fund, but more help is needed. Fiona needs to be able to continue treatment to continue life, so any help will be greatly appreciated!

PS... Fiona has maintained herself with good healthy habits over the past several years, getting all tests done periodically EXCEPT one... a colonoscopy! If you or anyone you know are over 45 and has not done so, please get a colonoscopy check up and encourage loved ones to do the same! SAVE A LIFE!