I need help to pay for my cancer treatments.

Tldr; I am fighting for my life and need help to pay for alternative treatment (mistletoe and vitamin C therapies) for my stage 4 Bile Duct cancer.

Hello, My name is Maggie Pengelly. I am a 64 year old woman, Mother to three wonderful adult children and Grandmother to three wonderful grandchildren (ages 16 years, 2.5 years, and 4 months). I am a tutor and have many amazing students who have turned a new leaf and reached new learning experiences while working with me. I am very grateful for the parents who have supported me during this rough time.

Unfortunately I have found myself in a position where I am now FIGHTING for my LIFE.

In July 2024, I wasn’t feeling too well, and was experiencing terrible Stomach pains. When they did not go away after a couple weeks, I thought I maybe had Gallstones or would need my gallbladder removed, so I went to RVH hospital in Barrie, Ontario (Canada). Thinking I would be scheduling an appointment for my Gallbladder surgery then going home. That was not the case, I didn't get to go home, I had test after test after test. Scared and unsure what was going on, my health was rapidly declining. I was eventually diagnosed with stage 4 Bile Duct cancer, Large tumors blocking my Bile Duct and reaching into my liver. What was supposed to be a short hospital visit, turned into a two plus month stay in the hospital. My children and grandchildren were by my side every step of the way. I prayed that I would be out of the hospital and well enough to see my youngest grandson's birth. I was fitted with a tube and bag to drain my bile, as my duct was clogged, I was heavily medicated for pain and cancer medications. My health declined so much during my stay that when I was luckily able to return home, I could barely stand or walk, I struggled to use the bathroom, get out of bed, I struggled to eat. I worked hard to get stronger.

Chemo treatments couldn't wait the cancer was spreading in my liver. So I started chemo treatments right away.

My tumors were shrinking, and it was looking good. However the positive outlook didn’t last long. The chemo was making me terribly ill, it was destroying my blood and I needed transfusions after every session. I was so tired that I couldn't stay awake, or function like a human. My family remained by my side, offering their help and support. After five rounds of chemo therapy the doctors decided that it was no longer the best route for my treatment. They put me on immunotherapy, which I am still doing today.

I’ve been fighting every step of the way, I got myself stronger, started to eat, strong enough to walk, and even relearned how to walk stairs up and down. I wasn't going to give up. I started researching alternative treatments, working with Dr Steve Rallis DC,ND, out of the wellness center located in Barrie, Ontario. I have since started taking Mistletoe and Vitamin C therapy. My health has been improving since starting these therapies. I am able to function like a human, I am able to eat more, I am able to walk, and have been able to take on a few tutoring sessions with some of my beloved students again.

They are my only option to extend my life and live the remainder of my life comfortably. These treatments are very costly, and due to the fact I am only able to work very few hours each week, keeping up with these therapies is very difficult. They unfortunately are not covered by OHIP, and cost me over $2000 every month.

I have to make the difficult decision, and ask for help. If you are able to donate to help me pay for these expensive treatments, I am very appreciative. Know that it is not taken for granted. You will be helping me see my grandson take his first steps, you will be helping me watch my granddaughter's first ballet recital. You will be helping me watch my oldest grandson's high school graduation. I have so much to fight for, to live for.

Thank you for reading, remember any amount will help, even if all you can do is share .

I wish you all good health and happiness in your lives.

Maggie Pengelly