Double Whammy: Cancer Diagnosis and Financial Emergency

After a brutal 2024, it seemed things could only get better. I was wrong.

On December 31, rather than joyously celebrating the arrival of 2025, I was in hospital processing terrible news. “It’s colon cancer,” the doctor told me. And it wasn’t just my colon – the cancer had already spread to my cervix and, possibly, to my bladder.

I was shocked and devastated. I hadn’t felt well for some time, but I hadn’t expected THAT. Over the next few days in hospital, as I underwent a variety of tests and procedures, I grappled with the reality of my situation. At the same time, I found myself increasingly panicked by another harsh truth – I was in extreme financial distress.

As a freelance/contract writer, I constantly deal with a ‘feast or famine’ work cycle. Some months are insanely busy, and I barely have a moment to step away from the computer. Those periods, I try to put aside as much money as possible to provide a buffer for the lean months, which are typically near the end of the year. As usual, the flow of projects had slowed to a trickle as the end of 2024 approached. But because I’d been feeling so unwell, I had also taken on less work. By year’s end, I had exhausted my financial resources. I hoped to be able jump straight into some new projects in the new year so that I could at least hobble through January.

That won’t be the case. As it stands, I'm scheduled for a surgery on Wed. Jan. 8 (Update: that surgery occurred early morning Jan. 9). I'll need some time to recover, and after that, chemotherapy is likely before there are other surgeries.

While I plan to work as much as possible while undergoing treatment, I am in desperate need of financial help to get me through this month and set up for February, as being evicted or having utilities disconnected while I’m going through all this preliminary cancer stuff is not an appealing prospect. As well, I've learned I will have some ongoing medical expenses. I definitely need to ease the pressure on me and have a little breathing space so I can focus on what I need to do to get better.

I’m usually a very private person, so disclosing all this is pretty hard. I also tend to be stubbornly independent, and I find it difficult to ask for help. So, please know that I wouldn’t have set up this GoFundMe were I not in urgent need.

I know things are tight for lots of folks these days, so if you’re able to manage even a small amount, I would be really grateful. As with any crowdfunding, it’s often volume that makes the difference – a whole lot of small contributions can quickly add up to something more substantial. And if you’re not able to contribute, perhaps you might share this campaign with someone who could.

While I can’t make any absolute guarantees, given the situation, it is my hope that I’ll eventually be able to re-pay those who’ve contributed. Or maybe I can provide something in exchange, perhaps a small bit of writing or one of my drawings. While I haven’t done much in the way of artmaking in recent times, I would be really pleased to have a reason to do some! Whatever the ultimate outcome, I will be sure to keep track of all contributions and to follow up over time.

If you prefer to contribute in a more private manner, such as through direct e-transfer or PayPal, that works too. Please reach out to me, and I can provide the necessary info. I’m also happy to answer any questions you might have.

With eternal gratitude,

Tracy