Help Tammy WIN her battle with Brain Cancer

Hi everyone,

Tammy Barkhouse is a 55-year-old woman who means so much to many. Her one and only child Alex, daughter-in-law Olivia, her brother Darrell, and extended family and friends care so much for her. She is the sun in the sky to many of us.

We are reaching out to loved ones, friends, and our community for some assistance, as Tammy is currently unemployed and drawing unemployment insurance with no medical coverage. Asking for help is not something she wanted to do because she is the one who will go out of her way to help others, even strangers. She would give you the shirt off her back without a second thought. She exceeds at making those around her feel loved, safe, and special.

In 2008, Tammy had a brief battle with melanoma and came out on top after having multiple surgeries. The tumor was removed from the right side of her neck and no radiation was needed at that time. Monitoring took place for many years after but did eventually fall to the wayside as you are all aware the healthcare system lets people fall through the cracks. And unfortunately, that’s what happened to Tammy while living in Nova Scotia.

Tammy was diagnosed with Melanoma of the brain on January 22, 2024. This brain lesion (tumor) is affecting her motor skills and causing her to have focal seizures. Because of this she can no longer drive and has mobility issues. Considering the plethora of symptoms that could be presenting this is a more manageable symptom.

We have completed many tests with many more to come. Being in rural southern Saskatchewan travel is going to be a constant for treatment. The next test coming up is a functional MRI/Tractography on February 29th, 2024, which can only be done is Saskatoon. This is a 4-hour drive from us.

All appointments for treatment will require us to travel some distance: chemotherapy and radiation, Cancer Clinic consults and follow ups, hospital stays, and hotel stays for family to be there to support.

Tammy has been scheduled for a Craniotomy to remove the tumor on March 6th in Regina and if all goes well the healing will begin. If they are not able to get clean margins radiation will need to be done.

So, kind people, we are asking for help. The travel expenses, hotel stays, medication etc. will all add up, while also trying to stay on top of regular life expenses. If you know Tammy, you know that asking for help is the last thing she wants to do, but we are left with no options.

Thank you everyone for keeping Tammy in your thoughts and prayers.

Alex & Olivia