Hi, I'm Heather Monaghan, and Alyssa Ashford works with me in one of the hardest jobs there is--she cares compassionately and lovingly for seniors who are at a point in their lives that they need a lot of help to get through their days with dignity and joy. Alyssa is absolutely gifted in her chosen profession, and she has goals of becoming a nurse in the future. However, right now, Alyssa is in the unfamiliar and uncomfortable position of being the one who needs some help.

I first met Alyssa at Regina Trades and Skills Centre; she was my student, the best in her class. When she expressed interest in working with my seniors' care home, I hired her on the spot because I saw her potential and her commitment her new career. She quickly went from being my student, to my team member, to my team lead, and these days I'm incredibly proud to say she has also become my friend.

Alyssa has worked hard to overcome many obstacles that would have completely defeated people who didn't have her resilience. But she and her family got some news about her health recently that has paused her life as she knew it. Here is her story in Alyssa's own words:

"Where do I start.. I’ve finally had a chance to sit down and fully process some life-changing news.. still hard to believe this is real.. recently I’ve been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

This diagnosis came as a shock because it was only supposed to be a migraine and dizziness. I had been experiencing these symptoms for awhile, but one morning I woke up and they were unbearable. Michael immediately took me to the Emergency at our local hospital. Within a week, my doctor ordered an MRI, which showed a mass in my brain.

My family and I are still coming to terms with this news. It’s been an emotional whirlwind of appointments, tests, and tough conversations. I want to take a moment to thank everyone who’s been there for me already, your love and support have meant everything during this time.

Right now, the tumour is not considered critical, and all of my doctors are confident that with medication and regular monitoring, we can manage the symptoms and keep things stable until it’s time for us to make the decision that surgery is the best option. That said, there is always the possibility it could become more life threatening.

My main focus now is on rest, reducing stress, and spending quality time with my family. I’m honestly just taking it one day at a time, embracing each moment for what it is. As with everything else I’ve faced in life, I will meet this with strength, courage, power of prayer and all the fight I’ve got. I’m still me. And I’m still here-living my life."

Alyssa does have some short-term insurance that will help somewhat, however it

will be many weeks before those funds actually get to Alyssa, and it will not be in place for longer than a couple of months. Alyssa and her family are facing many months and possibly years of uncertainty, during which she will be unable to work at all due to the severity of the symptoms the tumour is causing. Going from 2 household incomes to 1 virtually overnight is extremely difficult. For now, and in the upcoming months, Alyssa and Michael and their 3 children will need a great deal of financial help.

Alyssa and Michael will need assistance to continue to pay their mortgage (they just bought their very first family home in Broadview SK this past year), their vehicle payment (Alyssa has many medical appointments in Regina, and the family needs to be able to provide transportation for the children's school and other activities.) They will also need access to emergency funds for the day to day costs of raising 3 children and providing groceries, clothing, and incidentals for their family.

Please consider donating to Alyssa Ashford's family in their time of need. She has been there for so many friends and family member when they needed help. She has also supported literally hundreds of seniors over her years working in the Personal Care Home industry, helping to make their days brighter. I'm hoping the people who hear about her story can work together to provide supports for Alyssa and Michel's family that will ease their financial stresses, and help to make their and their children's days just a little less dark as they navigate these abrupt, serious changes in their family's life.

Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer, no matter how much.