Honouring Sonia’s Life & Supporting Her Family

Hi, my name is Carissa, and I had the privilege of knowing Sonia since our kids started kindergarten together. Unfortunately, on July 1st, Sonia passed away after an incredibly brave and difficult journey with cancer. She was just 44 years old - a devoted mother, loving wife, caring daughter, and loyal friend. Sonia leaves behind her husband Jason and their two wonderful children Troy and Emmi, ages 11 and 9, who are now learning to face life without their beloved mom.

In the face of such a heartbreaking loss, I’ve felt a deep desire to take action -to do something that reflects the love so many of us feel for Sonia and her family. I created this GoFundMe to help fundraise for her family and honour her memory while offering tangible support to those she loved most as they are now facing this unimaginable loss. This is one small way to carry Sonia’s spirit forward - with compassion, love, and community.

Sonia’s Journey

Sonia was diagnosed less than two years ago with myelofibrosis, a rare bone marrow cancer. She fought with strength and grace through exhausting symptoms and blood treatments, eventually undergoing her first bone marrow transplant in February 2024.

Unfortunately, by April, they learned the transplant hadn’t been successful. She courageously underwent a second transplant in May, this time with her brother as the donor. Things started to look promising: Sonia passed the 3-month recovery milestone, got to enjoy camping trips with her kids, celebrated her 44th birthday in October, and had a joyful Christmas with her family.

But in April 2025, Sonia sensed something was wrong. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive and fast-moving blood cancer. Still, she kept fighting — going through chemotherapy and platelet transfusions throughout April and May, all while holding onto hope.

Sonia was a candidate for a clinical trial beginning June 9, but a delay in hospital bed availability and sudden changes in her liver function made her ineligible just days later. Despite this devastating setback, she never gave up.

On June 27, Sonia moved to hospice care. She passed away on July 1, surrounded by love — with Jason, her cousin Heidi, and her mother Annelis by her side.

How You Can Help

More than anything, Sonia wanted Jason and the kids to be okay. This fundraiser will help:

• Support Jason as he becomes a single parent navigating grief while caring for their children

• Provide for the kids’ education, daily needs, and emotional support

• Give the family space to grieve without immediate financial pressure

Any amount you give - big or small - will help carry this family through an incredibly difficult time. Thank you for showing your love and support for Sonia and for helping secure a stable future for Jason and their children.

With love and gratitude

Carissa