My name is Victoria and my Auntie Julie was recently diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer.

(Laura, Julia, Victoria)

This news came very quickly after discovering a lump. Early September 2025 she noticed a lump in her breast, contacted her physician and got an ultrasound and mammogram done September 12th, 2025. They contacted her September 15th her to gofor a biopsy the next day September 16th. September 22nd she received a phone call from her physician to come in to discuss the results. Without information being shared over phone, that same day the oncology department contacted her to book an appointment.

She learned she had breast cancer from the oncology scheduling department, of all people. Such a sensitive thing to learn

from people who think you know this already! Everything was confirmed next day by physician. We are awaiting more results this upcoming week from the oncologist on September 30th and the breast cancer clinic, when they call. We have appointments booked into the start of October. We know surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are all apart of her treatment plan at this point.

My aunt had a hard start in life with becoming disabled as a child (broken thigh from a bicycle/vehicle collision) and continued to persevere through many other lifelong health challenges including surviving ovarian cancer! That’s right, not the first time. She’s ready to fight like hell, again.

Currently Julie lives in Alberta on a fixed income from Canada Pension Plan Disability living with her sister Laura and her partner Brian who are also on fixed incomes. Every dollar is accounted for and budgeted for ahead. This was not something that was anticipated. My mother, her sister, Laura has become her caregiver over the past year as it has become quite difficult to manage Julie’s other health ailments independently. They are best friends for life anyways, so it only makes sense.

Julie is a mother of two to Eric and Evan and she has always done her best to provide for them, no matter the cost. Her children mean the world to her. Unfortunately they live in Ontario and can’t commit to any long term leave from work, financially .

(Her sons, Eric and Evan)

Julie always smiled at work or school and helped where she could when she could! You may have worked with her in many different capacities as she was always willing to learn new skills and try new things. She currently volunteers by fostering animals in need, participating in various studies to help others learn, and giving where and when she can.

What we are looking to receive help for is:

Over the counter medications

Personal care products

Nutritional supplements

Comfort items and warmer clothes such as electric blankets for during treatment and at home as Alberta winters are terribly cold.

Fuel and any additional maintenance that may occur as there will be much more driving involved with her care and require someone to take her.

Right now we want to support Julie in any way we can, and I know this would make a tremendous impact on her survival energy not having to stress about the extras right now. If you can donate, thank you. If you can share, thank you. Any help is appreciated. Julie is ready to fight like hell!