Let's Help Raelynn and her family
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Thirty-two years ago I briefly met one of my dearest friends when we born in a small town hospital four days apart. Our parents took different paths and so we didn’t actually meet and become ‘besties’ until grade 9. Since then we’ve shared so many incredible memories and some of life’s major milestones. We graduated high school together, were one another’s maid of honours and now we both are mamas to three amazing kids (combined). We’ve shared good times, lots of laughter, and held each other through life’s biggest heartbreaks.
On May 6, 2020 my dear, beautiful friend Raelynn was diagnosed with colon cancer and her whole life turned upside down. So far, in the height of Covid lockdown she had to endure a 6.5 hour surgery alone, and has powered through 9 out of 12 chemotherapy rounds with grace and the strength I can only describe as a superpower! Chemotherapy is never easy, but hers has resulted in two hospitalizations from complications due to severe reactions to some of the chemotherapy drugs. However, she endures because there is only one option for her and that is to be cancer free and healthy, so she can watch her babies grow.
Prior to her diagnosis, Raelynn was a ‘stay at home mama’ and she and her family lived conservatively off of one income. This meant no extras, no holidays, sticking with a two-door car for a family of four and of course no savings. Her husband, Mike has taken a leave of absence from work to care for Raelynn and be the ‘stay at home dad’ for their girls. Mike can’t return to work until Raelynn has completed chemotherapy because she is severely immunocompromised. CERB has kept them afloat until last month. Their initial claim for a caregiver benefit has been denied, but they are appealing the decision, but even with the benefit they will still not be able to make ends meet.
Raelynn is a people pleaser and therefore asking for support or help is hard for her. She’s not asking, I am. I know 2020 has been a struggle for many, but if you feel you could spare even a little to help Raelynn and her family out, it would go such a long way.
On May 6, 2020 my dear, beautiful friend Raelynn was diagnosed with colon cancer and her whole life turned upside down. So far, in the height of Covid lockdown she had to endure a 6.5 hour surgery alone, and has powered through 9 out of 12 chemotherapy rounds with grace and the strength I can only describe as a superpower! Chemotherapy is never easy, but hers has resulted in two hospitalizations from complications due to severe reactions to some of the chemotherapy drugs. However, she endures because there is only one option for her and that is to be cancer free and healthy, so she can watch her babies grow.
Prior to her diagnosis, Raelynn was a ‘stay at home mama’ and she and her family lived conservatively off of one income. This meant no extras, no holidays, sticking with a two-door car for a family of four and of course no savings. Her husband, Mike has taken a leave of absence from work to care for Raelynn and be the ‘stay at home dad’ for their girls. Mike can’t return to work until Raelynn has completed chemotherapy because she is severely immunocompromised. CERB has kept them afloat until last month. Their initial claim for a caregiver benefit has been denied, but they are appealing the decision, but even with the benefit they will still not be able to make ends meet.
Raelynn is a people pleaser and therefore asking for support or help is hard for her. She’s not asking, I am. I know 2020 has been a struggle for many, but if you feel you could spare even a little to help Raelynn and her family out, it would go such a long way.
Organizer and beneficiary
Rosie Zurbrigg
Organizer
Victoria, BC
Raelynn Lupu
Beneficiary
