***If you prefer to donate through other means and not through Go Fund Me, please contact me, and I will provide options. Thank-you!***

Our mom, Sylvia has spent decades behind the chair as a hair stylist—not just cutting hair, but lifting spirits, listening with compassion, and making every person who sits with her feel cared for and valued. She has touched countless lives in her community with her kindness and dedication.

See Mom’s Story

Before her diagnosis, Mom was featured in a short film as part of a larger documentary project by documentary filmmaker Dwight Storring. Recorded months before she became diagnosed, it beautifully captures her warmth, compassion, and the way she makes everyone feel special.

We’re so grateful to Dwight for sharing this with us so you can see exactly who we’re fighting for.

https://youtube.com/shorts/pNQEtxmndAw?si=H_KPBZJ-bu1qRIDh

Now, she is facing one of the biggest challenges of her life. She has been diagnosed with AL Amyloidosis, an extremely rare disease affecting only about 1,200 people in Canada each year. AL amyloidosis occurs when the bone marrow produces abnormal proteins, called light chains, that misfold and form amyloid deposits in organs and tissues. Over time, these deposits can cause serious, permanent damage to the heart, kidneys, liver, nerves, and muscles. Without treatment, the disease can be life-threatening. Because it is so rare, it is often difficult to diagnose early, and there is no known cure. Current treatments—like the intensive chemotherapy and immunotherapy Mom will undergo—are focused on stopping the production of these harmful proteins, slowing progression, and preserving organ function. Starting treatment early gives her the best chance to control the disease and maintain quality of life.

Starting the week of August 11, she will begin intensive chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments lasting up to two years. These treatments will leave her extremely fatigued, vulnerable to infection, and unable to work after treatment days.

Because she is self-employed, she has no paid sick leave or backup income. Yet her living expenses—rent, utilities, transportation, and groceries—will continue. We want to make sure she can focus on healing, not worrying about how to pay her bills.

We are launching this fundraiser in multiple stages:

Stage 1 Goal: $18,000 to cover her first 6 months of living expenses as she begins treatment and adapts to its side effects.

Once we reach this first goal, we will reassess and set the next stage target, with the hope of supporting her through her entire treatment journey (estimated total need: $72,000 over 2 years).

Every donation—no matter the size—will go directly toward:

Our mom has always been there for others. Now, she needs us—and her community—more than ever. Your support will give her the peace of mind to rest, heal, and fight this disease with all her strength.

If we are blessed to raise more than what is needed for Mom’s living expenses during treatment, any additional funds will be donated to AL amyloidosis research to help others facing this disease.

Please consider donating or sharing this page to help Sylvia through this difficult time. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing beside her.