CCRAN - The foundation that saved Anna De Ferrari

On October 12th , 2021, our wife, mother & grandmother received the worst news possible.

 

After feeling some slight discomfort in her pelvic area, Anna decided to proceed with some blood work and an ultrasound. The results showed a significantly elevated blood tumour marker (CA125). This is when we learned Anna likely had Ovarian Cancer. We were in disbelief as Anna lives the healthiest life possible. Scans were being scheduled well into the new year and referrals to specialists thereafter. We were unaware of what to do, or how to truly help her. We knew that time was running out because Anna was feeling less and less well with each passing day.

 

That’s when we decided to contact Filomena from CCRAN (www.ccran.org). She is the President & CEO of this incredible charity dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating on behalf of colorectal cancer patients and other tumour type patients like Anna in Canada. She immediately referred Anna to Dr. Bernardini, a highly renowned divisional head of gynecology oncology at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, who was able to assess Anna and get Anna to surgery in record time (couple of weeks). By October 24th , Anna, our family and Filomena had already met with Dr. Bernardini, received the necessary scans and tests and by November 5th, then received the life saving 12-hour surgery Anna so desperately required – all because CCRAN was involved.

 

CCRAN educates patients and their families so they can move forward in their journey with confidence. Filomena has been a constant support system during some of our darkest days.

 

There are not enough words to express our sincere gratitude to Filomena and CCRAN – the organization she has built to help cancer patients.

 

Anna and our family wish to show this appreciation by starting a fundraiser for CCRAN by reaching out to you, our family, and friends, requesting donations. Those donations will help it grow and flourish so that it can continue to support many more families with the same love, guidance and care that Anna and we have been afforded. It has made all the difference in the world for us, and CCRAN intends on being there with us as Anna continues her journey.

 

The best gift you could possibly give Anna is by donating to the CCRA to help save women, just like her.

Lots of love,

The De Ferrari, Crupi, & Magana families.