Maria Stevens

This is a difficult update for me to make. Maria has become resistant to treatment; her tumors continue to grow despite available treatment through Nova Scotia’s Medical Services Insurance Programs. With no more options available her care team have discontinued treatment. Although her care team here in Nova Scotia have ran out resources of treatment that are available for her – but there is still hope. Keytruda is the last option on the table for Maria. Keytruda is very expensive – if we work together, we could help Maria access Keytruda. If we share this GoFundMe, the right person could see it. Please, let’s work together.

Maria’s diagnosis has been one of the most difficult obstacles that I have ever experienced. Maria has been my friend since I was a young teenager – she has rescued me more times than I can count. If you are a friend in need, she would give you the shirt off her back. She has opened her home to her friends and would give you the last $10 in her purse without a question. This level of compassion and empathy shows in her work – providing compassionate care for our aging community members as a proud team member of the Shannex family. Her Shannex family have demonstrated the true meaning of team – I want to thank you all for everything that you have done for Maria.

Maria and I are supposed to celebrate our achievements, laugh about adventures, and vent about heartaches. We are supposed to eat Parkside Platters, go camping, and go to the beach. The conversations that we have had these past two years are not the conversations that friends just entering 30’s should have. I cannot express what Maria is feeling – the rush of emotions I feel trying to are raw.

Maria is a month shy of turning 30. Most women are just starting their adult lives at this age. Getting married, buying a home, and starting a family – I have watched my dearest friend mourn all these milestones. There are no words I can say to her – so I listen with empathy. Maria is tired, she is tired of this ugly disease – I am too. This disease has taken hold of our lives, our conversations, and our emotions. Cancer is a monster. My heart goes out to every single person who has met face-to-face with this monster, and to all the bystanders who watched helplessly – this feeling I know. This year has been hard, everyone can agree. For those who have faced this monster during the COVID-19 pandemic – you are not alone in this. I feel the pain you are feeling with you.

Maria was diagnosed with cervical cancer April 2019. By June 2019, Maria had a radical hysterectomy and her care team determined that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. Maria’s care team recommended a combination treatment of chemotherapy and radiation once her body was strong enough after surgery. Maria accepted the treatment – if you don’t know Maria, she is a fighter. She is the strongest person that I know. Maria continued to experience severe pain after treatment, her care team reassured her that the pain was scar tissue and provided pain management. Maria’s care team investigated as the pain continued. In October 2020, Maria’s care team informed her that the cancer had metastasized. Maria underwent chemotherapy again – which has led us here, today. Maria does not have access to a compassion program, currently there are no medical trials available to her. Our help is what is going to give Maria access to this medication – it is the last option. Fundraising enough for Maria to purchase Keytruda is Maria’s last option.

 Anyone who reads this, please share it. Anyone who can, please donate. Maria’s care team can provide the Keytruda infusions here – Maria must purchase this medication. A little bit goes a long way when we work together.








 I have included a link to understand the cost associated with Keytruda. Maria will be required to purchase a year of the medication

https://www.keytruda.com/financial-support/