Kerry Sjolie and Her Family—Leukaemia

Kerry celebrated her 39th birthday on December 11th feeling a little low and tired.   She went to her daughter Avery’s Kindergarten Winter Concert with her family and dear friend Lindsey and then her situation worsened quickly.  

Not terribly worried, Kerry thought she was having a particularly bad flu until Sunday when she noticed increased bruising on her legs and was experiencing substantial blood loss.  

Brandon and Kerry went to Victoria General Hospital and Kerry received immediate attention and underwent numerous tests.  Less than two hours later, Kerry was told it looked like leukaemia.  On Monday she received a number of platelet transfusions and learned that she and Brandon would be flying to Vancouver and receive treatment at the Cancer Clinic.  

Kerry and Brandon flew via helicopter this afternoon (Tuesday).  Her confirmed diagnosis is a branch of AML called Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia.  The ‘plan’ so far is for  Kerry to stay in hospital for a month to begin with and then continued treatment in Vancouver until September.  

Avery-5 y, Edie-3 y, and Gus-1 y are currently based with Kerry’s sister Laura and her family.   Surrounded by grandparents, aunts and uncles and friends, they will be cared for by their village over the coming months while trying to keep routines and ‘normal’ happening as much as possible.  

Christmas comes with extra challenges this year, but will act as a reminder of how important it is to come together and love one another.  Avery, Edie and Gus are doing well and miss their parents.  They receive some comfort knowing that their mom is in the best place receiving the very best care.   Provided Kerry is able, the kids will be with Brandon and Kerry for Christmas in some configuration.  

We are asking for financial support to cover transportation costs, living expenses to allow Brandon to take some time off of work to support Kerry, and relieve the overall financial burden that a family battling cancer faces.  

If you are willing to provide funds but do not wish to donate via this page, please contact me directly.  

Thank you thank you for your love, prayers, and kindness.  I will update regularly.  

Laura