Support Alicia's Road to Recovery

We are writing as close friends and family of Alicia—a self-employed business owner and mother of two amazing girls—who could use our support right now.

In April, Alicia’s life was turned upside down when she was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. This diagnosis came as a shock and has set Alicia on a long and challenging path to recovery.

Alicia's Story

Alicia had been experiencing hip pain for some time and assumed it was due to her years of standing at work, weightlifting, or possibly arthritis. However, after a series of tests and a bone biopsy, she was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma in her pelvis. Unlike other cancers, chondrosarcoma cannot be treated with chemotherapy or radiation. Instead, it requires complex surgical intervention.

In late June, Alicia underwent a 16-hour internal hemipelvectomy with hip disarticulation performed by a top-tier Orthopaedic Oncology team at the Ottawa Hospital. This extensive surgery involved the removal of half of the right side of her pelvis and her entire hip joint. Thankfully, Alicia was an ideal candidate for a silver-coated titanium 3D prosthetic pelvis, which was successfully implanted during her recent surgery.

Why We Need Your Help

Alicia’s road to recovery is not only long and arduous but also extremely expensive. After her surgery, she will spend several weeks in the hospital, followed by two months of wearing a brace at home. Her rehabilitation will continue with another month-long hospital stay and then extensive, ongoing physiotherapy at home. The entire recovery process is anticipated to last about a year.

As a self-employed hair salon owner, Alicia will be unable to work throughout this period, resulting in significant lost wages. Likewise, without the protections and benefits of a permanent job, she is facing overwhelming out-of-pocket costs, particularly the extensive rehabilitation she needs to regain her prior mobility.

Despite everything, Alicia remains incredibly strong and positive. She is determined to be the "poster girl" for her surgery and is confident she can beat the one-year recovery prediction. Those who know Alicia know she is up for the challenge.

How You Can Support Alicia

As friends and family who love Alicia, we are asking for your help in supporting her through this difficult time. Your donations will go towards:

• Living expenses: Covering the cost of daily necessities while Alicia is unable to work.

• Medical costs: Helping pay for hospital stays, specialized equipment, and ongoing medical treatments.

• Rehabilitation: Funding hours of intensive physiotherapy essential for Alicia’s recovery and return to her active lifestyle.

• Support for her girls: Providing emotional and practical support for Alicia’s daughters during this challenging time.

Any contributions are hugely appreciated and will make a difference to Alicia and her family.

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing Alicia's story with your friends and family to help spread the word.

With gratitude,

Ashley, Becky, and Jen