
Help Amber get treatment not covered by insurance
Donation protected
My name Jenn Maxsom, and I am running this GoFundMe to support my sister-in-law, Amber Thornback. (Please click "read more" for Amber's story and message).
Amber is a social butterfly, if you haven’t had the opportunity of meeting her. Her love for Chris Maxsom, their fur babies (McGruber, Taz, Lexie and Sakura (feline with some attitude!), family and friends, is immense. She enjoys all activities from walking the dogs, going to tractor pulls, active blood donor and simply road tripping to visit family and friends.
Amber went to the Ottawa Civic Emergency on July 30th, 2021, with abdominal pains and bloating. After many diagnostic tests, the emergency medical team advised her that the diagnostic testing revealed she had ovarian cancer that had spread to her abdomen. The Ottawa General Hospital went quickly into action and within 18 days she had her first round of chemo. The recommendations were after 4 rounds of chemo (each separated by 3 weeks) and the placement of an abdominal drain, an Ovario-Hysterectomy (surgery) would be performed.
In preparation for her surgical consultation on Nov 4, 2021, she had blood work and CT scan. The CT scan revealed that some of the cancerous tumors were not responding to the initial chemo treatment. The doctors recommended to post pone her surgery and increase her chemo therapy. Her recommended treatment would be 2 different types of chemo therapy, every week for 3 months. She agreed with their recommendations, although she was advised by the pharmacy at the hospital, that the second additional chemo, is not covered by OHIP or her employee health benefits. It was recommended she apply for the “Compassionate Care” program with the Ottawa Hospital Foundation. In the interim, Amber started receiving her initial chemo therapy weekly, while waiting to see if she qualified for the “Compassionate Care” program. On November 15, 2021 Amber was informed that the second chemo therapy would not qualify under the program. The second chemo treatment is approximately $5,000 per month and she will require at least 3 months of treatment to hopefully be a candidate for surgery. Amber is strong willed and was always willing to help others. Lets do the same and help her!
Chris has been working extra shifts and jobs supporting the needs of Amber and their fur babies. Chris’ friends have been amazing in supporting her multiple gift cards at the beginning of her treatment. Amber isn’t the type of person that would ask for help but we are left with no options at this time.
From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate all the support you can offer to Amber’s care.
Message from Amber:
Hello Everyone,
As Jenn mentioned, I am not one to ask for help, but have been left no other choice at this point. My best hope is getting this aggressive form of cancer under control is with a combination of chemo therapy drugs, Paclitaxil and Avastin, for 3 months of weekly treatments. The Avastin is not covered and I will need to pay out of pocket in order to receive the treatment.
Unfortunately, this is not something we can afford at this point. If you are able to help, I would be forever grateful for the gift of time with my loved ones, both furry and not so furry. I have been humbled by this entire experience. The love, kindness, generosity and support already received from so many of you, is much appreciated.
Thank you to everyone for your gifts of kindness.
Amber T.
Hello Everyone,
As Jenn mentioned, I am not one to ask for help, but have been left no other choice at this point. My best hope is getting this aggressive form of cancer under control is with a combination of chemo therapy drugs, Paclitaxil and Avastin, for 3 months of weekly treatments. The Avastin is not covered and I will need to pay out of pocket in order to receive the treatment.
Unfortunately, this is not something we can afford at this point. If you are able to help, I would be forever grateful for the gift of time with my loved ones, both furry and not so furry. I have been humbled by this entire experience. The love, kindness, generosity and support already received from so many of you, is much appreciated.
Thank you to everyone for your gifts of kindness.
Amber T.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jennifer Maxsom
Organizer
Ottawa, ON
Amber Thornback
Beneficiary