Rebecca's Tumour Removal Surgery

Update as of October 30, due to the amazing generosity of so many people donating both through GoFundMe and personally to Rebecca they have been able to reach their goal amount, because of this we have turned off accepting donations to the fundraiser. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, shared and prayed, the generosity of everyone has not gone unnoticed!

Update as of October 11, due to the amazing generosity of so many people donating both through GoFundMe and personally to Rebecca, they have adjusted the amount on the GoFundMe page to take these outside donations into account. Thank you so much everyone, your support has been so greatly appreciated!

Hello all, my name is Chelsey Prins and I am starting this Go fund me to help raise funds for a good friend of mine, Rebecca Kember, who was recently diagnosed in May of 2024 with Acromegaly. This is a rare but serious medical condition caused by a tumour near the brain on the pituitary gland. Rebecca is a 32 year old nurse, wife and mom of three beautiful children, ages 5, 3 and 1.

For the past year, Rebecca has experienced many symptoms including: overgrowth of her hands, feet and jaw, weight fluctuations, fatigue, swelling throughout her body, gastrointestinal issues, pain, numbness and tingling in her hands, visual changes, infertility issues and mental health challenges. Over the 12 months Rebecca has fought and advocated for herself in the Canadian healthcare system to get appointments, tests, scans and answers. After many months, she was finally given her diagnosis.

This rare disorder occurs in the U.S. at a rate of 2-11 new cases per million, per year. Acromegaly itself is usually not fatal, however, the complications of this disorder, including heart enlargement can be life-threatening and cause pre-mature death. The tumour can also cause blindness and increased risk of colon cancer.

Rebecca’s tumour is quite large and is pressing on several important structures within her head, making it a difficult surgical operation. Surgeons in Canada have told her that complete removal of the tumour is impossible and will result, with 100% certainty, in further complications of a brain fluid leak.

However, there is a specialized surgeon in California who is confident in his ability to remove the tumour with minimal complications due to his specific surgical techniques. He is hopeful for complete tumour removal and therefore total surgical remission. She will be in the hospital for 2-3 days and staying California for 2-3 weeks post-operation in order to do follow up appointments. Choosing to go with this surgery means there is a chance for Rebecca to return to a normal, pain free life.

Rebecca is travelling to California in November for surgery and is seeking our assistance to help with the cost of this life-changing surgery. Since Shem and Rebecca do not have American medical insurance, the lowered cost of the procedure is $150,260.70 CAD. While Shem and Rebecca are extremely grateful for any amount that they receive, the amount set on the go fund me takes into consideration the cost for the procedure, hospital stay, travel expenses and time away from work. Accommodations, childcare and a vehicle have been graciously donated so this cost is not taken into consideration.

While the desire is that this surgery will help Rebecca get back to a healthy life, it is important to note that Rebecca's hope is ultimately not found in the outcome of this surgery. Her hope is found in the Lord Jesus Christ, whom she accepted as her Saviour at the age of 19. It is because of this relationship she has with the Lord that she is able to have hope during this difficult time.

God's word says in Romans 5:3-6 "...but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirt who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly."

If by the time you are done reading this, quite lengthy request for help, you find yourself curious about the reason Rebecca is able to have such a hope, please reach out. It would make the suffering that Rebecca has endured a little bit easier if it meant one soul would be saved through her story.

And lastly, if it is not too much to ask, we would be very thankful if you would be willing to share this link with family and friends and, if able, in giving any amount to help. Prayers for successful surgery and safe travels are also appreciated!

Thank you so much!