In September, our sister-in-law Laila Brown was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL). B-ALL is a fast-growing and aggressive blood cancer in which immature B-lymphocytes build up in the bone marrow and blood, crowding out healthy cells. While it is most commonly diagnosed in children, it can occur in adults and requires intensive treatment, for Laila treatment includes several types of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant.

Next month, Laila will need to travel to Ottawa with her husband Neil to undergo a stem cell transplant. Once in Ottawa, Laila will be required to remain there for a minimum of five weeks, and potentially up to three months, while she undergoes treatment and recovery. Being uprooted to another province for an extended period brings significant financial and emotional strain, on top of an already overwhelming diagnosis.

Laila is an inspiration to everyone who knows her. She has dedicated her career as a Registered Nurse at the Janeway Children’s Hospital, caring for some of the most vulnerable patients. In 2011, she participated in Team Broken Earth’s mission to Haiti, providing critical medical care and training in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake. Her commitment didn’t stop there—Laila returned to Haiti again in 2012 and 2017 to continue helping those in need. She had the opportunity to write about her experience and it was published in the Canadian Journal of Emergency Nursing.

https://cjen.ca/index.php/cjen/article/download486/475/1975#:~:text=by%20Laila%20Brown,Andrew%20Furey.

Outside of her nursing career, Laila has always been actively involved in her community. She enjoyed running and rowing. Laila proudly participated in events such as the Torbay Run for Mental Health and Royal St. John’s Regatta. No matter the cause, Laila showed up—always ready to help, never expecting anything in return.

I have known Laila since 2005, and her strength, compassion, and kindness have never wavered. This fundraiser is meant to help ease the financial burden on Laila and Neil during this incredibly challenging time, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: Laila’s healing and recovery.

We are asking our family, friends, and community to rally around Laila and Neil during this incredibly difficult journey. Any donation, no matter the size, will help ease the financial burden of travel, accommodations, and daily living expenses while they are away from home. If you are unable to donate, sharing this page is meaningful and helps spread the word.

Laila has spent her life caring for others—now it’s our turn to care for her. Together, we can help give Laila the space and support she needs to focus on healing. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, and support.