Hi - I'm Karin and I'm fundraising for the unexpected costs associated with Lisa Nguyen's colorectal cancer treatment. Lisa is my colleague and friend who is hyper independent and not one to ask for help. I'm glad that she has agreed to this GoFundMe campaign so her community can rally to support her in a time of need.

This funding is to cover:

All funds will go directly to Lisa.

Initial surgery will likely be scheduled for end of April or May.

Lisa's story in her own words:

After some exploration with my GP last year about why I was feeling so fatigued, in late November 2023 I was diagnosed with rectal cancer. I was in absolute shock. What began as a massive polyp found during a routine colonoscopy, was now being referred to as invasive adenocarcinoma. It was confirmed to be a T2 tumour.

I’m the solo parent to a beautiful, kind and funny 10 year old daughter. I want nothing more than to continue to be a visible and present mom to her. I’m also a key support person, translator, patient advocate and informal health system navigator for my mom.

I received my cancer diagnosis while supporting my mom on her cancer journey; she was beginning treatment in Alberta for Multiple Myeloma. My mom's cancer is incurable and I hope to support her in her final years. In my case, surgery will give me a good chance at survival. My focus is on beating this cancer and living the next half of my life cancer free to be able to support my mom and raise my daughter.

My treatment plan involves major surgery, a Low Anterior Resection with a temporary ileostomy. Google it if you are curious. If all goes well, there will be a second surgery to reverse the ileostomy. Both surgeries will be in Vancouver, not close to home on Vancouver Island.

I am incredibly grateful to be receiving disability benefits through my employer, as that will be my sole source of income. The long term disability payments are however significantly less than my current income and not enough to cover our current family household needs plus additional medical costs.

Despite our Canadian public health system, there will be medical expenses that are simply not covered in these situations and I'm bracing myself for the road ahead, physically, emotionally and financially.