My name is Janelle, and I am asking for support for my twin sister, Jilleen, to assist and aid her during treatment and recovery following her sudden diagnosis of Stage 3 Colorectal cancer.

In 2022, Jilleen gave birth to a healthy baby named Jack. Shortly afterwards, her body did not heal properly. She developed hemorrhoids, a common condition that can occur and strain the body after pregnancy. She dealt with the discomfort, but it gradually became painful.

Over the last two years, the pain has become significantly worse. Four months ago, after enduring tremendous pain, she requested to see a specialist and then was referred for a sigmoidoscopy.

In May 2026, during Jilleen’s sigmoidoscopy, the doctor found a large mass – an obstruction so big it was blocking the camera from entering her colon. A biopsy confirmed that she had Stage 3 Colorectal cancer. The cancer has spread through her tissues and attached itself on her S4 Sacrum, just above the tail bone.

We were told, because of the size of the tumour and how it is identified, she needs chemotherapy, followed by radiation. If the tumour shrinks enough, surgery may be possible. After that, she will need more chemotherapy. There is a long road ahead.

Our family is not unfamiliar with colorectal cancer. Our Grandmother Lillian passed away in 2012 from the same disease. We are prepared to fight this alongside Jilleen.

Jilleen is the strongest woman I know. She takes care of everyone around her, and now she needs to finally be taken care of!

She has been working at her dream job for 2 years, and has been a full-time mom to a smart, and playful toddler. Jilleen has worked as a crisis intake worker for an Indigenous organization, supporting some of the most vulnerable community members in the city of Ottawa, Ontario. She volunteers her time at an Indigenous Friendship Center as she is deeply committed to serving the community.

Costs:

Jilleen’s monthly expenses currently are $2,700.00 with rent, gas, insurance, daycare, groceries, and phone before we add treatment costs. Her last day of work on Monday June 15, 2026. The medical professionals estimate that her treatment and recovery could take the better part of a year due to the severity of the cancer.

Cancer treatment is difficult, brutal and needs to be handled with care. Jilleen needs a sterile environment during treatment. Anyone with a toddler knows this is no easy task. She will be weak and ill due to chemotherapy, so we will need to hire support workers for her so she can still be a mom but also heal. She will be immunocompromised and at greater risk of infection. We will need to hire special cleaners to come in to disinfect weekly.

The costs add up, but we hope to beat this with your support.

Jilleen is a great mother and goes leaps and bounds through pain everyday to take care of her little boy. We want her to be here to see Jack Jack nurture into a man, take him to graduation, cheer him at his soccer games and powwows, and watch him grow. She always wanted to be a mother. Let’s give her a fighting chance to continue living that dream.

Wela’lioq, Che- Miigwetch. Thank you all.