Help the Harding's get through the unthinkable

The Harding family has been struck with the unthinkable. The Harding sisters, Cassandra and Katelyn Harding, have been diagnosed with a rare cancer within only a few short months of each other at their young age. Cassandra (Cassie 19 yrs old) was diagnosed in July 2022 with osteosarcoma in the knee which had progressed to her femur and tibia. This resulted in their removal and was replaced with a prosthetic metal knee, femur and tibia. Cassie completed 40 weeks of chemotherapy in May 2023 and continues today with rehabilitation and regular exams.

Shortly after, June 2023, her sister Katelyn (Katie 18 yrs old) was equally diagnosed with osteosarcoma. In her case, the cancer is located in the pelvis, tailbone and lower spine. On October 31st, Katie will undergo a 40 hr surgery to remove the entire sacrum and the tumor from her pelvic area. The reconstruction consists of removing both of her fibulas, and disconnection of multiple nerves, and adding metal rods down her spine. The result of this surgery will mean a lifetime of urine drainage and colostomy bag and leg braces. She will be staying about 2 months at the Montreal General Hospital and then will be transferred to a rehabilitation center for another 3 months, not to mention all the physical and mental work that will be needed. Katie has already begun her own 40 weeks chemotherapy since August, 2023 and will continue after the surgery.

Due to this unheard of and rare case, the genetics department requested the girls to undergo multiple genetic tests. It was found that The Harding sisters are carriers of a rare gene called TP53. This gene increases the risk of developing other cancers in parts of their body, mainly in the breast, bones and brain. They will eventually require a double mastectomy and will be tested every 3 months for their entire lives to spot the cancer before it spreads or has time to develop.

The Harding sisters will unfortunately not be able to have their own children as this gene is hereditary.

This is a particularly difficult time for the Harding family as the sisters also lost their mom to breast cancer 11 yrs ago. Raised by their Dad (Christopher Harding) the financial burden has struck this family particularly hard. Dad’s absence from work debuting with Cassie’s diagnosis over a year ago and now prolonged with the diagnosis of Katie is a substantial financial burden on the family. They will also need to make home adjustments and equipment to adapt to Katie’s situation.

Unfortunately, their battles are far from over and we would like to help them out during this unthinkable situation. The expenses continue and many have asked how they can help.

To say that our dear friends have had a rough year would be an understatement. In order to alleviate the financial stress associated with these diagnoses, and to surround this family with warm, positive thoughts and prayers while they navigate this journey ahead.

For this reason, I am sharing their story and hoping that many will be willing to make a donation to help them out. I have received their permission to launch this go fund me for this unfortunate situation. Donations of any amount are sincerely appreciated and will go directly towards the girl's needs.

An instagram account was created for those who wish to follow their journey from the surgery to recovery.

@hardingsisters45