Maelo's Cancer Campaign
Donation protected
For as long as we’ve known Maelo, she has been the absolute embodiment of selflessness. When she sees someone in need, she never hesitates to help to the best of her ability. Helping others makes her feel as though she is living a full and meaningful life which is why Maelo chose the career path of being a dedicated PAB at St Mary’s hospital.
One evening in early March, Maelo was in excruciating pain and was rushed to the emergency room. That’s when things took an unimaginable turn. After many tests and consultations Maelo was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma Cancer, on March 6th 2017.
Multiple myeloma, is a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. Plasma cells help you fight infections by making antibodies that recognize and attack germs. Multiple myeloma causes cancer cells to accumulate in the bone marrow, where they crowd out healthy blood cells. Rather than produce helpful antibodies, the cancer cells produce abnormal proteins that can cause severe kidney problems.
In addition to rounds of Chemotherapy which began on March 24th, Maelo's path to health requires a variety of other treatments.
At the end of July Maelo will begin another phase of her treatment. This phase will include receiving two injections per day for at least 10 days, to prepare for a stem cell transplant. These injections cost $160 each along with additional medication which costs $120. Furthermore, each visit to the hospital entails parking fees of $20.
Another hurdle to overtake will be a stem cell transplant from a sibling donor if a match is found. Maelo’s brother who lives in the Philippines would need to be flown over to Montreal if he proves to be a matching donor. This would be another cost to take into consideration.
As anyone can attest to, making ends meet while being a single mother is financially challenging. Being diagnosed with cancer has left Maelo unable to work and receiving only 60% of her regular salary. This income simply cannot cover the cost of the necessary treatments along with bills in general and supporting her 17 year old daughter who recently graduated from high school.
All the aforementioned has led Maelo's loved ones to seek financial aid in desperate hope to help her beat this illness. It's time for us to give back to the woman who has always given so much to everyone.
One evening in early March, Maelo was in excruciating pain and was rushed to the emergency room. That’s when things took an unimaginable turn. After many tests and consultations Maelo was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma Cancer, on March 6th 2017.
Multiple myeloma, is a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. Plasma cells help you fight infections by making antibodies that recognize and attack germs. Multiple myeloma causes cancer cells to accumulate in the bone marrow, where they crowd out healthy blood cells. Rather than produce helpful antibodies, the cancer cells produce abnormal proteins that can cause severe kidney problems.
In addition to rounds of Chemotherapy which began on March 24th, Maelo's path to health requires a variety of other treatments.
At the end of July Maelo will begin another phase of her treatment. This phase will include receiving two injections per day for at least 10 days, to prepare for a stem cell transplant. These injections cost $160 each along with additional medication which costs $120. Furthermore, each visit to the hospital entails parking fees of $20.
Another hurdle to overtake will be a stem cell transplant from a sibling donor if a match is found. Maelo’s brother who lives in the Philippines would need to be flown over to Montreal if he proves to be a matching donor. This would be another cost to take into consideration.
As anyone can attest to, making ends meet while being a single mother is financially challenging. Being diagnosed with cancer has left Maelo unable to work and receiving only 60% of her regular salary. This income simply cannot cover the cost of the necessary treatments along with bills in general and supporting her 17 year old daughter who recently graduated from high school.
All the aforementioned has led Maelo's loved ones to seek financial aid in desperate hope to help her beat this illness. It's time for us to give back to the woman who has always given so much to everyone.
Organizer and beneficiary
Carole Ann Mwinga
Organizer
Dollard-Des-Ormeaux, QC
Consuelo Alvarez
Beneficiary
