Support Marshella (Sal) Needham during her cancer journey

Reaching out to ask for help on behalf of Marshella (Sal) Needham

After losing her husband Barry to cancer in 2018, Sal and her daughter Hannah were evicted from their property in Steelhead which had been their home for the past 25 years. Sal then moved into subsidized BC Housing in Vancouver, and in early 2024 was diagnosed with an aggressive stage 4 lung cancer, with a devastating survival prognosis of months to a year.

Since January Sal has been in and out of hospital undergoing countless scans, tests and radiation therapy. She has recently started the first out of four rounds of a low dose chemotherapy in hopes of increasing her comfort and challenging her prognosis.

To better help her mum, Hannah has found Sal an apartment next to where Hannah lives in Victoria, so that Hannah can be available for the daily caretaking needed for Sals chemotherapy treatment as well as whatever happens next. 

With all of the challenges Sal and her daughter have faced since Barry’s diagnosis in 2014. They have shown unwavering resilience and acceptance, and even now continue to find endless reasons for gratitude and joy.

The kindness, friendship, generosity, amazing meals and gifts from the garden that Sal and Barry have shared over the years with us all are so special. If you can help the Needhams out now, in any small way, it would be so appreciated by the family. 

The contributions will go towards the increase in Sals rent, transportation costs, moving costs, equipment costs including a wheelchair, and the various medical costs that aren't covered by BC MSP. Sal hasn’t been able to work as she has lost her mobility due to the metastatic cancer in her spine and intensity of pain caused by the disease. Hannah being self employed, has also had to sacrifice a large portion of her income so that she can be available to care for her mom on a daily basis.

Being able to live near her daughter Hannah will improve Sals quality of life and help her for the next stage of her cancer journey. 

Our wish is for Sal and Hannah to enjoy time together now as a family, without the added burden of finances while they navigate this difficult stage in their lives.

The family has requested no phone calls during this time. But if you would like to reach out please contact via email. Thank you for your prayers and support during this difficult time.