As many of you know, in April 2024, our dear friend and caregiver Cherry Mae Gale experienced a life-altering accident that changed her world in an instant. It began when she was on a leisurely bike ride and lost control of her bicycle riding down a hill in the Don Valley. She collided with a lampost, resulting in severe critical injuries that included a broken spine, epidural hematoma, and multiple fractures throughout her body. The gravity of her situation necessitated major surgery and intensive medical intervention and spinal rehabilitation. One blessing was the amazing care provided by the ICU team at Sunnybrook.

After a challenging period in the Intensive Care Unit, Cherry was finally discharged and transitioned to Lyndhurst Centre in late July where she would have to learn to walk again, and use the lavatory on her own. There she embarked on an intensive spinal rehabilitation journey that continues today. Sadly this will be a lifelong struggle and journey of recovery.

The hours spent in therapy are both physically and emotionally taxing, yet Cherry continues to persevere with determination. Although she has made significant strides and can now walk with assistance, it is a laborious effort, and her breathing remains strained as a result of her injuries. The trauma to her body has left her with vocal cord palsy and considerable nerve pain she is learning to manage. Tragically, she faces permanent paralysis in her left arm and shoulder, a reality that adds to the emotional weight of her recovery and her ability to work.

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Despite these challenges, Cherry maintains a positive outlook and gratitude for the gift of life. She embodies resilience, spiritual strength, and hope as she navigates this new chapter of her life.

The road to recovery is long and fraught with obstacles both physical and financial, and Cherry's situation is compounded by the financial strain of being unable to return to work. After years of selflessly caring for others, she now finds herself in a position where she needs support and care. Living in Toronto, a city known for its high cost of living, adds to the urgency of her situation.

We are reaching out to our family, friends, and the local community to help raise funds for Cherry, as she faces the daunting task of making ends meet while focusing on her rehabilitation. Your generosity can make a significant difference in her life, allowing her to concentrate on healing and regaining her independence.

Please consider making a donation if you can. Cherry truly deserves our kindness. She has always been a generous, loving, and hardworking person who contributed greatly to the families and communities she worked in. By supporting her, we are not only helping her heal but also empowering someone who has consistently used her strength to lift others up and will keep doing so as she heals and adjusts to this new and challenging chapter in her life.

Thank you.