Help Mom Find a Cure

Welcome to Mom’s GoFundMe page! Even if you are unable to financially contribute today, I want to extend my appreciation to you for taking the time to read her story.

You may be wondering why I refer to her as "Mom" instead of "my Mom". The reason being that this incredible woman has spent her entire life selflessly loving and supporting those around her. From advocating for her gay friends battling AIDS in the 90s, to dedicating her career to helping the elderly, to tirelessly educating and protecting her own children, she has extended motherly love to many. Her heart naturally overflows with compassion, and if she had the opportunity to get to know you, she would undoubtedly find the best in you, and love you unconditionally too. Mom to all.

As her health condition rapidly deteriorates, I am becoming desperate to find a solution. As her son, and the recipient of a lifetime of unconditional love and support, it is my turn to show up and support her. Your donations, words of encouragement, and kind thoughts can all help me to find the solutions for Mom. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

- About Mom -

Mom grew up in Vancouver, BC and in her younger years spent time as an ally in the gay community. She advocated for gay rights long before she had a gay son, and before it was cool to be an ally. She frequently challenged societal norms and at her wedding she chose her gay friend who was battling AIDS to be her maid of honor, despite the unconventionality of the choice.

When I came out of the closet to Mom, I was met with nothing but support. Her only concern was my sexual safety. She diligently educated me on safe sex practices and throughout my younger years helped steer me away from risky relationships.

Mom also had a career in gerontology, where she provided recreation programs for elderly people. Her compassionate ways allowed her to excel in this field. She loved hearing the life stories of her residents and bringing joy to their days.

When Mom isn’t sticking up for those around her, she finds pleasure in nature and art. You can typically find her painting a beautiful ocean scenery or walking through gardens smelling the flowers. She also holds a strong presence in her community, attending groups and events with other mothers.

- Her Condition –

Over the past few years Mom has developed and battled two debilitating chronic health conditions - Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). The conditions cause a range of symptoms which significantly reduce her ability to live a normal life.

It started out with reduced energy that caused her to give up almost all of her hobbies (long walks with her friends, exercise classes, dancing etc.). Over the years she tried to push through this reduced energy but the condition became worse. Currently Mom’s energy levels are so low that it is a struggle to complete simple routine tasks such as showering and cooking a meal. She is also unable to stand longer than a few minutes due to POTS, and requires a mobility scooter to get around. At her worst times she is bedridden for multiple days at a time. I fear that the worst times could become the norm if we are unable to find a cure and stop the progression of this illness.

Despite the horrible effects of this condition, Mom’s intelligent and loving ways have prevailed. She uses the little energy she has to attend doctor appointments, participate in treatment and to keep in touch with her family and closest friends. I routinely visit Mom and take her for short scoot’s at the nearby park, where she is nothing but smiles. While this is far from the adventures we once had, I am grateful she still has the energy to get outside for 20 minutes and chat with me. I am scared that even this will become unobtainable at some point, as her abilities have been steadily decreasing.

- GoFundMe Goal -

Despite seeing a specialist for years and trying various treatments, Mom's health condition continues to degrade her abilities, and an effective solution is yet to be found. While other treatments do exist, they require a significant financial investment that is beyond what she can afford. As a blue-collar middle-class family from Canada, my parents have always worked hard, paid their taxes, and saved modestly for their future. They have put their trust in the health system, believing that it would be there to support them when needed. However, the reality is that the services needed to treat Mom's condition are still out of reach. As a result, I have created this GoFundMe page to raise the necessary funds to continue Mom's treatment and improve her quality of life.

After all Mom has done for me, and everyone around her, I would love nothing more than to tell her that she can seek further treatment. Help me to help her live a better life. She deserves it.