Hi my name is Madelene and anyone who knows me knows that Gertrude is my best friend and that I would do anything for her. She hasn’t always been dealt the fairest hand in life and has gone through a lot over the past year. Just last November she lost an eye and became completely blind, our family thought that the worst was over for her but once again she is going through new challenges.

We’re trying to raise some money to help with the current medical costs. Just under 2 weeks ago we made what seemed to be an easy decision to have two malignant lumps removed from just under her skin. Her surgery went successfully, they confirmed they removed all of the cancer, our small girl was left with 27 staples but was healing great. On Wednesday night she took an unexpected turn for the worst and has tentatively been diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. A life threatening condition. We’re doing everything we can to keep her afloat, she’s responding well to her treatments and Monday we are doing an ultrasound.

We’ve already put well over $2,000 into this. Her ultrasound costs $1,000-$1,600 just for the imaging and as hard as it is to ask for money, we are struggling and if anyone has the means to help our family will be forever grateful.

I am currently 6 months pregnant so maternity leave and even less funds is in our very foreseeable future. We just want to see an otherwise healthy little lady get the help she needs and deserves.

If you’ve ever met Gertie you’ll know how strong and resilient she is. She is a huge part of our lives and our family and I can’t imagine her not being here with meyself, Peter, Lionel and Darla or not getting the chance to meet our new family member.