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A PLEA TO GIVE DONNA MORE TIME WITH HER LOVED ONES
Donna Ouellette—a devoted matriarch, friend and beloved member of the Calgary community—is in the final fight of her life against Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (mTNBC), one of the most aggressive, rare and underfunded forms of cancer.
But now, Donna’s mTNBC has progressed to her liver, lungs, and paratracheal lymph nodes. After eight years of consistent and varied chemotherapy, her treatment options in Canada are very limited. The cancer continues to grow, and time is running out.
There are promising, cutting-edge immunotherapy treatments available in other countries—such as Germany—for which Donna is a candidate. However, the cost is substantial (approximately $160,000). For this reason, we are focusing on what is possible right now while continuing to keep future opportunities in sight.
OUR FUNDRAISING GOAL: $60,000
Your donation will help cover:
1) IV and Hyperthermia Treatments
Treatments will be needed 2x a week, with a cost of $1,000 per week.
2) Vitamins and supplements
Donna takes a myriad of dietary supplements to support her body while fighting mTNBC. These are not covered by insurance.
WHY YOUR HELP MATTERS
Donna’s family and friends still need her.
- Her daughter was struck by a vehicle, while crossing a crosswalk, leaving her with debilitating health issues. Donna has stepped in to provide additional support in the care of her 10-year-old grandson during this difficult time.
- To many relatives, friends, and their children, Donna has long been a steady presence—often filling the roles of "Mom", "Sister", and "Aunt".
- Donna's greatest wish is to have more time to spend with her loved ones, especially to witness her precious grandson grow up.
Donna wants to advocate for mTNBC.
- If given the opportunity to heal, Donna’s mission is clear: to raise awareness about mTNBC and stand up for those who can’t.
Donna's family have depleted their life savings on previous care.
- Over $200,000 has been spent on holistic treatments, which were previously done in conjunction with chemotherapy.
Donna's cancer journey has been fraught with unforeseen hardships, it's our turn to care for her.
Donna's medical battles have included:
- 16-hour double mastectomy and TRAM flap surgery
- Removal of her left lung
- Countless rounds of aggressive chemotherapy and radiation
- Multiple corrective surgeries, leaving painful nerve damage and significant scarring
- A reoccurrence of TNBC following her mastectomy, despite being assured it would never happen again
HOW YOU MIGHT KNOW DONNA & HER FAMILY
You may know of Donna Ouellette and her family from their ties to the Southern Alberta Indigenous community. Donna’s husband Gord Ouellette, and daughter, Nevada Ouellette, are Ojibway/Cree - Métis, and members of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Nevada is the founder of Collective Wellness Pow Wow, a traditional Jingle Dancer, a master’s-level Indigenous trauma therapist and educator, and a respected ceremonialist.
In addition, her grandson, Phoenix Ouellette-Young Pine, and his father, Kyle Young Pine (Agapi), are Blackfoot and members of Kainai First Nation (Blood Tribe). Phoenix and Kyle both dance Fancy. Kyle is an Indigenous educator, dancer and speaker – he regularly presents at events, conferences and schools. He was featured in a Telus Original Documentary, “Piita Aapasskaan – The Kyle Young Pine Story” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U6tvvRTlDI).
Many people know Nevada, Kyle and Phoenix from their involvement with the Calgary Stampede, where they have danced on the Grand Stand or at Elbow River Camp.
Over the years, Donna has been deeply involved in supporting her ceremonial family on the Kainai Nation during their Sundance ceremonies. She continues to smudge, receive traditional medicines, and draw strength from these practices, which she and her loved ones believe have helped her survive beyond her prognosis.
FOLLOW DONNA’S JOURNEY
Please find out more information, stay updated and show your support, on Donna’s Instagram page.
Every donation—no matter the size—can make a powerful difference.
Also, please help us spread the word: share Donna’s story to raise awareness and bring attention to her fight.
Organizer and beneficiary
Donna Ouellette
Beneficiary