Help Simone Artz with Cancer Treatment & Expenses

Every family has its stories, its share of sudden sadness, and jubilant celebrations. Our large blended family has seen its share of goodness. Our sadness has also been there; for sure. But we have been beyond fortunate to have had so many healthy years full of babies, so many babies, and so many wonderful years of goodness. That is until this past week when our very beloved Simone Artz, mother to seven-month-old Luna, and new wife to husband Felix, was suddenly, and most rapidly diagnosed with breast cancer. The shock is immense. The action that must be taken is immediate. 


Simone and her family have been in New South Wales, Australia working on their Australian Immigration paperwork. They had been working and living in New Zealand, and as we all know Covid dramatically changed all travel plans. As soon as the New Zealand/Australia air travel resumed Simone, Felix & Luna packed up their lives and headed to sister Natasha and Dan’s Fernleigh Farm to bravely begin a new life. A new life full of gardens, honest work, shared tasks around the cousins growing up, and growing together as our family loves to do. But Simone had been aware of an ongoing sense something was not right with one breast. She had been assured in NZ that all was fine. But that is not the case. After Simone went to a NSW Medical Clinic the good Australian medical system immediately went into action. The clear direct result is Simone needs medical care which must be implemented now. 


The hurdle is of course the reality of traveling back to Canada during Covid. All the upheaval that this means, two plane tickets from Brisbane to Victoria, BC, quarantine, and a gentle place for this family to regroup into with peace, and a sense of ease. Simone will need immediate medical attention as soon as she arrives back into Canada. We are beyond fortunate that this part of Simone’s cancer journey has been kindly arranged. What is left, and it is considerable, is financial support to get this family on their feet and into Canadian life. Simone’s husband Felix is from Argentina so there will be some considerable delays until Felix will be able to work legally. And due to the nature of Simone’s cancer, Simone will require Felix’s daily assistance with the care of dear Luna. 


All of us who know Simone understand how deep her love and gratitude is for beautiful Luna. Luna who is only seven months old, and who Simone and her husband Felix surround with so much love and care. And it is Luna who Simone has been most focused upon, even during this time of utter shock. It is Luna that Simone is trying to protect, that she not be upset with the upcoming upheaval and some difficult days ahead. Our goal in this Go Fund Me is to provide the means whereby Simone, Luna and Felix can move through the days and weeks, the months ahead of cancer recovery without more stress. And it is our deep hope that this young family will reach goodness again where Simone can be a healthy, young, vibrant mother able to hold Luna in her arms. Thank you so much for your support.

UPDATE: Go Fund Me has requested some additional details for this fundraiser. Tzigane Ernst is Simone's one and only maternal cousin. "Ziggy" and Simone grew up together in Victoria, BC and Vernon, BC, have shared childhoods and life, as well as West Coast living in Tofino, BC. Ziggy and Simone are cousin-sisters to each other. The funds that are being so generously created here will be used in a myriad of practical ways. Health Insurance for Luna and Felix as they will not qualify for BC Med for three months. COVID travel related fees, including two weeks quarantine. Canadian Immigration fees for Felix who will be Simones and Lunas primary caregiver. Living expenses first in Victoria, BC, and then wherever a more permanent home is found, but essentially BC Rental costs. A small car so that Simone can get back and forth for her cancer treatments. Living expenses for the three as Felix will not be able to work until granted the right to do so under Canadian Immigration rules, which could take up to a year. Naturopath expenses for Simone as her body will require that additional support and care. Funds for all medications that may be above and beyond what will included in BC Cancer treatments. Essentially a years worth of healing and Canadian life for Simone, Felix and Luna is what these generously donated funds will be used for. Thank you so much. Your support is lifting an immense financial pressure off Simone and Felix (and by extension dear little Luna).