Help for the helper, Rose Anne Timbrell

I'm Sylvia, Rose's sister in law. Rose has been a force for good all her working life, a counsellor, a university professor, a proud Indigenous woman who consistently advocates. She has always been the first to show up for anyone in crisis, not asking, "how can I help" or "let me know if I can do anything" but just seeing and doing. She's given tirelessly and generously of her money, her time, and her love. When my family expanded to include Rose it was one of the best things to happen to us, her strong sense of community and family has been an anchor and a lifeline.

Now Rose needs our help. Many of you know she has been diagnosed with an incurable type of cancer and is undergoing treatment. She has had to stop work and recently had surgery following a course of chemotherapy. We are all praying this prolongs both her life and her enjoyment of life, but that's not why I'm here.

Rose was having some symptoms early this year which were being investigated by her physician, although no one was suspecting cancer. The symptoms were manageable and she went on a long-awaited and much needed holiday. While she was there her symptoms became much worse and she more or less collapsed and had to go to the hospital in Florida.

She and her husband Ken called the insurance company who assured them everything was covered, not to worry. So they didn't. And the well-oiled private hospital medical machine was able to quickly get CT scans and MRI's and made a diagnosis that was likely months away had she stayed home. As soon as she was able to travel they returned home.

Now, months later, the insurer has decided it was a pre-existing condition and is not going to pay a cent of the US$125,000 hospital bill. That's about C$175,000 and Rose has had to stop both her university work and her private counselling practice. Paying this off would likely mean selling their home.

I know that the many of us who love and admire and owe so much to Rose will NOT let that happen. I want to show her just how much love that is I and hope we can remove one worry from a couple undergoing a sad and challenging time. Staying positive and hopeful is so important for Rose right now, and Ken too. That's going to be doubly hard if money is always on their minds.

Please, spread this among your own contacts. Rose has touched so many people's lives and hearts there must be a good number who can give something back.

Should Rose and Ken win any succession from the Insurance Company any contributions can be used to make up her lost income for this year. Any amount over the cost of the hospital bill will be treated the same way. If you would like us to return a donation if the insurance comes through (doubtful) I will update here and you only need to let us know.