Help Tania Rebuild Her Life After a Devastating Accident

Tania Deme, our sister, a 49-year-old mother from Cambridge, Ontario, is facing an unimaginable new reality. Just a few weeks ago, she was an active, hands-on mom to two young boys — Zack (8) and Cole (5). Today, she is lying in an ICU bed, paralyzed from the neck down.

The Accident That Changed Everything

On the evening of Good Friday, Tania went out for a bike ride — a short trip near her home. She swerved to avoid a car and, in a split second, went down an embankment. Her injuries were catastrophic: a broken neck, a fractured spine, broken ribs, and a collapsed lung.

She was transported to Hamilton General Hospital for emergency surgeries, and is now in the ICU at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. She breathes through a tracheotomy and is unable to fully speak independently. The physical trauma is severe, but the emotional weight she carries is just as heavy.

A Devastating Prognosis

Tania is paralyzed from the neck down, with only a small flicker of movement in her lower left arm. Spinal surgeons have told us that she has a 0% chance of walking again. Only time will tell if she regains any function below her neck.

We are deeply concerned — not just about her physical prognosis, but also about her comfort, her psychological well-being, and her ability to stay connected to her children and loved ones. She wants to work hard to gain even the smallest bit of movement in her arms, her hands — anything that might one day allow her to hug her boys again.

Moments of Hope

Even in this painful chapter, Tania finds ways to hold on. She now savours simple comforts: ice chips melting in her mouth, her cooling pillow and hugging blanket from her Aunt Therese and cousin Krista, and visits from loved ones that help lift her spirits. She was especially touched by a picture collage of fun times growing up with her cousins — a reminder of the deep roots of connection and love that have always surrounded her. These moments remind us of the strength she still carries and the bonds that continue to lift her through even the darkest times.

Her five-year-old, Cole, is having a hard time understanding what’s happened to his mom. Zack, now in Grade 2, recently celebrated his First Communion. Both boys have been visiting, bringing joy and heartbreak with each visit. Tania would give anything to wrap her arms around them.

The Family Around Her

Tania is surrounded by a close and loving family — her three older sisters, her devoted parents, and extended family who are doing everything possible to support her and the boys.

Her parents have also been a steady, nurturing presence in Zack and Cole’s lives since birth and are now providing their day-to-day care as they navigate this unimaginable time.

Why We’re Fundraising

With Tania’s permission, we are raising funds to support her future needs — immediate, ongoing, and long-term. All donations will go directly toward:

How You Can Help

Tania is open to having visitors, and the presence of caring friends and family makes a difference. But even if you’re far away, there are ways to help.

Your donation today will help support someone who, in her current condition, may never be able to earn an income again. Tania's life changed in a split second — from being a devoted, hands-on mom to facing permanent paralysis. The road ahead is filled with uncertainty, and she will need extensive, lifelong support. Your generosity will help ease the heavy financial burden she and her family now face — from accessibility needs to daily care, therapies, and long-term planning. It’s a way to offer dignity, stability, and hope to someone whose future was altered through no fault of her own.

Your donation — no matter the amount — will have a direct impact on Tania’s quality of life and future care. Please consider giving, and if you’re unable to donate, sharing this page can go just as far.

On behalf of Tania, Zack, Cole, and our entire family — thank you for your compassion, your generosity, and your continued support.

With deep gratitude,

The Deme Family