Bonnie's Healing Journey!
Donation protected
Bonnie has been the recipient of immense love, kindness and support from those that know her, and others who will one day meet her. For this, she lives in a constant state of gratitude.
At the beginning of this journey she had a wish to help change the statistics. She has done exactly that! What was not expressed at the time, is that the doctors gave her a prognosis of two years. Soon she will crossing the five year mark since diagnosis, and the seven year mark since her discovery. Her Oncologist admitted that she has been the "exception".
The question of course is how did she do it? The answer is simple, appreciation of life, gratitude for each moment, each act of kindness and her passionate desire to move beyond the now, and to once again be in service to others. She cannot credit treatment, or supplements as her financial situation remains the same, the funds needed have not been available for either basic or advanced treatment. She is alive today based on her determination, and her Tribe of amazing people who have been there for her.
Unfortunately things have taken a turn, we must now admit and accept that without treatment Bonnie may no longer remain the exception, as her health began a significant decline in May of 2016. She remains "well" but symptoms are now present, requiring nursing support on a daily basis. If you know Bonnie as I do, you know that her spirit is strong, happiness and joy are still a constant in her life, as is her determination in knowing the body is able to heal itself. She has proven a top oncologist wrong once before, and continues to do so daily.
If you follow Bonnie on Facebook, you have noticed a constant theme in her posts "Strategically Placed Strangers", these people are what she calls her Angels. Appearing at the right time, to provide for her with what is needed at the time.
Such an Angel appeared in her life a short time ago with not only information but a vile of life saving treatment. As many of you are aware, treatment for Cancer is very different outside of the US and Canada. Cutting edge treatments, backed by scientific studies and results are available. But they come at a cost that is prohibitive for most, with the only possibility being the receipt of compassion from others.
This treatment builds the immune system and in doing so, shrinks tumours and in many cases allows for full healing of the body, or allows for the possibility of surgery which is not an option for Bonnie at this time.
The cost of this protocol is far beyond Bonnie's means. At a bare minimum the cost would be 1,200 US dollars per week, at half the recommended dosage. Yes, the dollar amount is prohibitive, as the treatment lasts months, not weeks, not days. And as some well know, Bonnie was wiped out financially in her first year due to the cost of treatment protocols which were not covered by medical insurance.
So once again, we come to you Bonnie's "Angels" for support. Whatever you are capable of will be greatly appreciated and in doing so know that you are helping to keep a soul that puts others before herself on this planet a little longer.
Regardless of the outcome know this, Bonnie's heart has been touched in ways you will never truly understand. A 'family' appeared when she had no one to turn to. A price tag cannot be attached to that, and the level of gratitude and love cannot be expressed.
Thanking you again for your support... for taking the time to read this... and if possible sharing this for Bonnie
Original 2014 Posting
Bonnie Bradley had a simple plan, take some much needed time off, find a new home, adopt a puppy, work a little less, and become actively involved in implementing Reading Therapy Dog Programs for children, as well as volunteering at Sick Kids Hospital with a therapy dog. This would not be a stretch, but an extension of the fund raising and the raising of dog guides that she had previously done with Canine Vision.
Bonnie thought she was burned out from the twelve hour days comprised of client support and the volunteer coaching she did for individuals seeking career transition. What she didn't know was that she was sick.
She had discovered the lump in 2010. She ran to the doctor and then to the specialist who was, and still is in charge of the Breast Cancer Clinic of a major hospital. Both said she was fine, just a simple painful cyst, don't worry about the pain and by the way “Breast Cancer Does Not Hurt” so nothing to worry about.
Two years later, and four routine appointments later she was told the painful cyst was in fact something to worry about, it was Cancer.
Her first impulse was to tell every woman she knew her story, not because she wanted sympathy but to share the knowledge that Breast Cancer MAY indeed hurt and to be careful who you trust.
Bonnie has and continues to state, "if 1 in 7 women are going to be diagnosed, it is better me than someone else, I have no children nor do I have family members that I will leave behind". Nevertheless it is a journey that no woman should have to endure.
That was 2012, a diagnosis and the birth of a new goal, to find a way to help women like her, and if possible help change the statistics.
Fast forward to 2013. Bonnie has not been able to work since diagnosed, all of her assets and savings were used to pay medical bills. (IV Therapy, Liver and Kidney cleanses, Vitamins, Herbs, Doctors fees easily totaling $3600 Monthly) and she was also forced to give up her home to pay for these expenses. Bonnie’s career as a consultant did not provide sick leave, disability insurance or health benefits, although there were savings for a rainy day. Unfortunately, it didn’t rain, it poured!
Over the last seven months treatment has been virtually non-existent because of the costs. Bonnie’s credit cards have been maxed out in an attempt to provide for basic survival and limited treatment. Support from family is not possible, as there is no family to call on, no children, no siblings, no parents, no grandparents.
The goal is simple.
Bonnie has been a coach, a friend, a shoulder to cry on; she has helped countless individuals build successful careers, and has assisted others without vision to become mobile with the benefit of a Dog Guide. And yes, she will be visiting schools this coming September and implementing Reading Therapy programs for children! Bonnie is not done, she just needs a little help right now.
Hopefully there are those that think she still has more to give and are willing to help her overcome her present challenges with a small donation so she can continue to be of service.
It doesn’t take much: skip a Starbucks
skip a cocktail
skip a meal out
Whatever you are capable of will be greatly appreciated and know that you are helping to keep a soul that puts others before herself on this planet a little longer.
Thanking you for your support, for taking the time to read this & if possible please share this for Bonnie.
At the beginning of this journey she had a wish to help change the statistics. She has done exactly that! What was not expressed at the time, is that the doctors gave her a prognosis of two years. Soon she will crossing the five year mark since diagnosis, and the seven year mark since her discovery. Her Oncologist admitted that she has been the "exception".
The question of course is how did she do it? The answer is simple, appreciation of life, gratitude for each moment, each act of kindness and her passionate desire to move beyond the now, and to once again be in service to others. She cannot credit treatment, or supplements as her financial situation remains the same, the funds needed have not been available for either basic or advanced treatment. She is alive today based on her determination, and her Tribe of amazing people who have been there for her.
Unfortunately things have taken a turn, we must now admit and accept that without treatment Bonnie may no longer remain the exception, as her health began a significant decline in May of 2016. She remains "well" but symptoms are now present, requiring nursing support on a daily basis. If you know Bonnie as I do, you know that her spirit is strong, happiness and joy are still a constant in her life, as is her determination in knowing the body is able to heal itself. She has proven a top oncologist wrong once before, and continues to do so daily.
If you follow Bonnie on Facebook, you have noticed a constant theme in her posts "Strategically Placed Strangers", these people are what she calls her Angels. Appearing at the right time, to provide for her with what is needed at the time.
Such an Angel appeared in her life a short time ago with not only information but a vile of life saving treatment. As many of you are aware, treatment for Cancer is very different outside of the US and Canada. Cutting edge treatments, backed by scientific studies and results are available. But they come at a cost that is prohibitive for most, with the only possibility being the receipt of compassion from others.
This treatment builds the immune system and in doing so, shrinks tumours and in many cases allows for full healing of the body, or allows for the possibility of surgery which is not an option for Bonnie at this time.
The cost of this protocol is far beyond Bonnie's means. At a bare minimum the cost would be 1,200 US dollars per week, at half the recommended dosage. Yes, the dollar amount is prohibitive, as the treatment lasts months, not weeks, not days. And as some well know, Bonnie was wiped out financially in her first year due to the cost of treatment protocols which were not covered by medical insurance.
So once again, we come to you Bonnie's "Angels" for support. Whatever you are capable of will be greatly appreciated and in doing so know that you are helping to keep a soul that puts others before herself on this planet a little longer.
Regardless of the outcome know this, Bonnie's heart has been touched in ways you will never truly understand. A 'family' appeared when she had no one to turn to. A price tag cannot be attached to that, and the level of gratitude and love cannot be expressed.
Thanking you again for your support... for taking the time to read this... and if possible sharing this for Bonnie
Original 2014 Posting
Bonnie Bradley had a simple plan, take some much needed time off, find a new home, adopt a puppy, work a little less, and become actively involved in implementing Reading Therapy Dog Programs for children, as well as volunteering at Sick Kids Hospital with a therapy dog. This would not be a stretch, but an extension of the fund raising and the raising of dog guides that she had previously done with Canine Vision.
Bonnie thought she was burned out from the twelve hour days comprised of client support and the volunteer coaching she did for individuals seeking career transition. What she didn't know was that she was sick.
She had discovered the lump in 2010. She ran to the doctor and then to the specialist who was, and still is in charge of the Breast Cancer Clinic of a major hospital. Both said she was fine, just a simple painful cyst, don't worry about the pain and by the way “Breast Cancer Does Not Hurt” so nothing to worry about.
Two years later, and four routine appointments later she was told the painful cyst was in fact something to worry about, it was Cancer.
Her first impulse was to tell every woman she knew her story, not because she wanted sympathy but to share the knowledge that Breast Cancer MAY indeed hurt and to be careful who you trust.
Bonnie has and continues to state, "if 1 in 7 women are going to be diagnosed, it is better me than someone else, I have no children nor do I have family members that I will leave behind". Nevertheless it is a journey that no woman should have to endure.
That was 2012, a diagnosis and the birth of a new goal, to find a way to help women like her, and if possible help change the statistics.
Fast forward to 2013. Bonnie has not been able to work since diagnosed, all of her assets and savings were used to pay medical bills. (IV Therapy, Liver and Kidney cleanses, Vitamins, Herbs, Doctors fees easily totaling $3600 Monthly) and she was also forced to give up her home to pay for these expenses. Bonnie’s career as a consultant did not provide sick leave, disability insurance or health benefits, although there were savings for a rainy day. Unfortunately, it didn’t rain, it poured!
Over the last seven months treatment has been virtually non-existent because of the costs. Bonnie’s credit cards have been maxed out in an attempt to provide for basic survival and limited treatment. Support from family is not possible, as there is no family to call on, no children, no siblings, no parents, no grandparents.
The goal is simple.
Bonnie has been a coach, a friend, a shoulder to cry on; she has helped countless individuals build successful careers, and has assisted others without vision to become mobile with the benefit of a Dog Guide. And yes, she will be visiting schools this coming September and implementing Reading Therapy programs for children! Bonnie is not done, she just needs a little help right now.
Hopefully there are those that think she still has more to give and are willing to help her overcome her present challenges with a small donation so she can continue to be of service.
It doesn’t take much: skip a Starbucks
skip a cocktail
skip a meal out
Whatever you are capable of will be greatly appreciated and know that you are helping to keep a soul that puts others before herself on this planet a little longer.
Thanking you for your support, for taking the time to read this & if possible please share this for Bonnie.
Organizer
David Gruning
Organizer
Toronto, ON
