In December 2025, Bonnie's life was changed forever when she was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer. Trying to digest this was not easy, but it was only the beginning. Six-weeks later, she received the devastating news that she was also in heart failure and would require a quadruple valve replacement (a surgery that had never been done in Nova Scotia). The damaged valves, caused by her Cancer, deteriorated rapidly. To say this news was life-altering for Bonnie, her teenage daughters, her family and friends is an understatement.

We have been friends with Bonnie since elementary school, but our friendship resembles more of a sisterhood, so it has been heart-wrenching watching what she has endured over the past 8 months. If you have ever met her, you already know that you have likely made a friend for life. Her warmth, humour, and ability to make friends with complete strangers, in only a matter of minutes, is how she has always approached life. Both health conditions have brought a sense of clarity to her world and have made her deeply aware of what she wants the most - to be healthy, happy, make sure her daughters are ok, and to feel loved (something she has found in her devoted boyfriend, Darren). What has remained the same all along: Her positive attitude (sprinkled with a few inevitably sad and overwhelming days), her love of family, friends, pizza, horses, and Def Leppard.

Bonnie's surgery took place on July 10, 2026. So far, she is doing well but she is facing a long road of recovery, both physically and emotionally. She surpassed an unimaginable hurdle this week with her heart surgery. Her Cancer is being managed through monthly injections, but it is incurable. For the past five years, she has been a single mother, and she is now unable to work because of her diagnosis. As her oncologist said, "you are officially retired". Although she hasn't fully accepted this, she knows she needs to focus on healing. Throughout it all, she has rarely complained.

At a profoundly difficult appointment in February, Bonnie said, "my girls need me". They do, but all three of them could really use your support. She would never ask for help, so we are asking on her behalf. If you are in a position to donate (anything at all is appreciated), we know this would provide some financial relief from the stress of worrying about monthly bills and meals, while also allowing for homecare to aid in her recovery during the months ahead. If you are unable to donate, sharing this page would be another way of offering your support and encouragement. Thank you so much for taking the time to read about Bonnie's story.