Donation protected
Thank you to everyone for their donations. With all of your help I will be donating $1800 to the Wish Come True Society.
Greetings!
My name is Caroline Ivens and I will be cutting off and donating 12-14" of my hair on May 9th, 2015 in memory of my father. I have been very fortunate to have healthy, fast growing hair, so I have decided to share it with someone affected by illness who has lost theirs. In donating my hair, I am also raising funds for a Kelowna charity looking to build a children's respite/hospice house in Kelowna - the Wish Come True Society
www.wishcometruesociety.com
My decision to donate my hair comes with the illness of and death of my dad, Roger Ivens.
3 years ago, shortly after my parents had returned from their first winter down south as snowbirds, my dad collapsed. My mom first thought he had had a stroke, but after testing, it was discovered that he had 2 tumors in his brain. A week later, one tumour was surgically removed, but with the location of the second one, it was not possible to take it out. The tumour was a glioblastoma; a stage 4, highly cancerous tumour. He began a strong round of radiation soon after, followed by chemotherapy. The physical effects of the tumour and the treatments was intense on my dad. Luckily, he had my mom by his side throughout it all to help care for him and to keep his moods up.
After a round of chemo, my dad was cleared to go on vacation. This was a delightful break from everything, and him my mom had a lovely time getting away from the illness that had taken over their lives.
My parents in Huatulco, Mexico - March 2013
Shortly after though, a second round of chemo needed to begin, as the tumour was growing again. Unfortunately, the cancer did not respond as well this time. About a year and a half after being diagnosed, my parents were told that there were no current medicines that doctors felt would help to cure or control my dad's cancer further. Treating the cancer then turned into symptom control, and working towards making sure that my dad was as comfortable as possible for his final days.
In a terrible situation, my parents were lucky that they could keep my dad at home as much as possible, and my mom was provided the necessary equipment and aid needed to keep him comfortable. My dad's biggest thing throughout it all, was dying with dignity and not in a hospital. The Fraser Health Authority provided my mom the resources and help to fulfill his wish.
On May 12th, 2014, my father passed away in his home, with peace and dignity, with family at his side.
Less than six months after my father's passing, my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy, and with the help and support of those around her, she has also been able to, and will remain at home where she would prefer to be.
Many individuals and families do not have the option of staying home, or even in the same city when serious illness strikes. The disruption, financial burden, and emotional stress of having to relocate part or all of your family in these times is something that no one should have to go through.
The Wish Come True Society is working to make it so that sick children can stay in Kelowna with their families when they are in need of treatment and care.
From their website:
" It’s very tough on a family to have to go through the illness and possible death of a child without having to worry about leaving everything behind at home so they can be with their child in Vancouver at Canuck Place. With your help, we hope to accomplish our goal so very sick children and their families won’t have to make the long, sometimes dangerous trip over the Coquihalla Connector to the lower mainland. "
I am hoping to raise $2000 to help them towards their goal.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and thank you so much for your donations and support.
Caroline
Greetings!
My name is Caroline Ivens and I will be cutting off and donating 12-14" of my hair on May 9th, 2015 in memory of my father. I have been very fortunate to have healthy, fast growing hair, so I have decided to share it with someone affected by illness who has lost theirs. In donating my hair, I am also raising funds for a Kelowna charity looking to build a children's respite/hospice house in Kelowna - the Wish Come True Society
www.wishcometruesociety.com
My decision to donate my hair comes with the illness of and death of my dad, Roger Ivens.
3 years ago, shortly after my parents had returned from their first winter down south as snowbirds, my dad collapsed. My mom first thought he had had a stroke, but after testing, it was discovered that he had 2 tumors in his brain. A week later, one tumour was surgically removed, but with the location of the second one, it was not possible to take it out. The tumour was a glioblastoma; a stage 4, highly cancerous tumour. He began a strong round of radiation soon after, followed by chemotherapy. The physical effects of the tumour and the treatments was intense on my dad. Luckily, he had my mom by his side throughout it all to help care for him and to keep his moods up.
After a round of chemo, my dad was cleared to go on vacation. This was a delightful break from everything, and him my mom had a lovely time getting away from the illness that had taken over their lives.
My parents in Huatulco, Mexico - March 2013
Shortly after though, a second round of chemo needed to begin, as the tumour was growing again. Unfortunately, the cancer did not respond as well this time. About a year and a half after being diagnosed, my parents were told that there were no current medicines that doctors felt would help to cure or control my dad's cancer further. Treating the cancer then turned into symptom control, and working towards making sure that my dad was as comfortable as possible for his final days.
In a terrible situation, my parents were lucky that they could keep my dad at home as much as possible, and my mom was provided the necessary equipment and aid needed to keep him comfortable. My dad's biggest thing throughout it all, was dying with dignity and not in a hospital. The Fraser Health Authority provided my mom the resources and help to fulfill his wish.
On May 12th, 2014, my father passed away in his home, with peace and dignity, with family at his side.
Less than six months after my father's passing, my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy, and with the help and support of those around her, she has also been able to, and will remain at home where she would prefer to be.
Many individuals and families do not have the option of staying home, or even in the same city when serious illness strikes. The disruption, financial burden, and emotional stress of having to relocate part or all of your family in these times is something that no one should have to go through.
The Wish Come True Society is working to make it so that sick children can stay in Kelowna with their families when they are in need of treatment and care.
From their website:
" It’s very tough on a family to have to go through the illness and possible death of a child without having to worry about leaving everything behind at home so they can be with their child in Vancouver at Canuck Place. With your help, we hope to accomplish our goal so very sick children and their families won’t have to make the long, sometimes dangerous trip over the Coquihalla Connector to the lower mainland. "
I am hoping to raise $2000 to help them towards their goal.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and thank you so much for your donations and support.
Caroline
Organizer
Caroline Ivens
Organizer
Kelowna, BC