Help Give My Mom a Real Smile for Christmas
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On May 8, 2019, we got the frightening diagnosis that my 59 year old Mom, Kathy Tonkonoh, had Stage 4 Small Cell Lung Cancer. Small Cell Lung Cancer is the more aggressive lung cancers, and at that point it had already metastasized to her brain, kidneys and lymph nodes. She was given a sad expectancy of one year at that point, given the stage of the cancer.
She has been a warrior thus far in her battle, already going through full brain radiation on the tumours and multiple rounds on chemo. She is responding well to the treatments, with tumours shrinking – but she is inoperable at this point given the location and complexity of her main tumors.
Upon a routine CT scan a couple weeks ago, we had learned that the cancer has now spread to her bones. It has eaten away at her 6th vertebrae and is seen in her shoulders and hip joints. The doctor had advised her to go to the Dentist, as there is an injection that she now requires to help her bone density, and they require patients to have a look over their teeth. With this treatment there are concerns of bone loss, and the treatment can affect the teeth.
During her dental examination, it was determined that she would need all of her teeth pulled. They booked the oral surgery for the next morning, and she then had them all removed.
My Mom went for her follow-up with the surgeon the next week, and we were eager to hear about when she could receive dentures. At that point, we learned Ontario Works will only cover 50% of the dentures.
While being on Ontario Disability, after her rent and utilities are paid, she is left with a mere $100 monthly for groceries and vitamins. This is not enough for her to even save for the cost of the teeth.
My Mom has always been an independent, single Mom, raising us kids on very little. She has never asked for anything and has always been one to help others in need. This is the first time we are reaching out for help.
Help give my Mom a real smile for Christmas. She deserves the confidence and dignity during her battle.
She has been a warrior thus far in her battle, already going through full brain radiation on the tumours and multiple rounds on chemo. She is responding well to the treatments, with tumours shrinking – but she is inoperable at this point given the location and complexity of her main tumors.
Upon a routine CT scan a couple weeks ago, we had learned that the cancer has now spread to her bones. It has eaten away at her 6th vertebrae and is seen in her shoulders and hip joints. The doctor had advised her to go to the Dentist, as there is an injection that she now requires to help her bone density, and they require patients to have a look over their teeth. With this treatment there are concerns of bone loss, and the treatment can affect the teeth.
During her dental examination, it was determined that she would need all of her teeth pulled. They booked the oral surgery for the next morning, and she then had them all removed.
My Mom went for her follow-up with the surgeon the next week, and we were eager to hear about when she could receive dentures. At that point, we learned Ontario Works will only cover 50% of the dentures.
While being on Ontario Disability, after her rent and utilities are paid, she is left with a mere $100 monthly for groceries and vitamins. This is not enough for her to even save for the cost of the teeth.
My Mom has always been an independent, single Mom, raising us kids on very little. She has never asked for anything and has always been one to help others in need. This is the first time we are reaching out for help.
Help give my Mom a real smile for Christmas. She deserves the confidence and dignity during her battle.
Organizer
Krysta Lachapelle
Organizer
Saint Catharines, ON
