Help Jolene SLAY Cervical Cancer

Back in spring of this year, Jolene was misdiagnosed with Adenomyosis: a painful but but ultimately non-life threatening condition...

After a few months of steadily worsening symptoms and living in severe medical distress, she went to get a second opinion at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, at her own expense, in late August.

...and that is how we found out the worst news imaginable - it was actually advanced cervical cancer, and the misdiagnosis cost her valuable months of early treatment.

Anyone who has crossed paths with Jolene knows that she possesses a magical spirit and undeniable presence. She's probably shared something with you - a book, some produce, a song, a meal, or even her time. Those of you who know Jolene know how she contributes to community life in everything she does! Let's help her get back to doing that amazing work she loves!

If you are in a position to help Team Jolene support her through this time, we will accept it with love and gratitude.

We know the cancer is at least Stage 3 and will require aggressive treatment. It goes without saying that Jolene is unable to work for the foreseeable future, and has been unable to work since July due to her illness.

We have all agreed that staying in Thunder Bay with her mom Cheryl is the best place for her recovery. ...but while Cheryl is happy to cook all the healthy whole foods needed for Jolene's recovery, she is on a modest pension, has severe scent allergies, and some mild mobility issues.

We have no idea what is in store for us, but we know we are going to need help with medical costs, bills, and scent-free in-home support. Money should be the last thing in the world anyone has to worry about when they're battling cancer with an uncertain outcome; especially within the confines of our collapsing health care system, where many medications and therapies are not covered through OHIP, and income support for patients and their caregivers is essentially non-existent.

Other Ways to Help:

-If you are in Thunder Bay and want to help with food and household tasks, please reach out to Jessie via the email address attached to this fundraiser.

-If you would like to reach out to Jolene directly, please email her instead of calls or texts.

Thank you for anything you can do to contribute, share, or spread the news!