On January 17, 2022, Tracy Harper’s life changed dramatically. After going to emergency because of a pulmonary embolism, blood work showed a high concentration of white blood cells. The next day an oncologist diagnosed leukemia, and Tracy was immediately admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for a bone scan. A diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia came as a huge shock! Three days later, Tracy received her first round of chemotherapy. From feeling OK to treating a blood clot in the lungs to facing a battle with a terrible disease, all within a week! Imagine how frightened she is having to cope with this all at once!

TRACY’S LONG JOURNEY

Her current treatment plan is to receive aggressive treatment in hospital for four to six weeks followed by weekly treatments for some time and eventually treatments every three weeks. Tracy has a long journey ahead of her, probably for one or two years. But the good news is that this potentially fatal disease was caught early, and that treatment has begun early! And she is in the best place to begin to heal.

Yes, she is in the best place, but hospital stays come at a huge price for those who need to be by her side. Yet another expense to consider.

WE NEED TO HELP

Now with both not being not able to work during treatments, the worry of making ends meet looms hard. In support of Tracy, we need to remove the worry of how she and her husband, Richard, will be able to make their financial obligations.

Tracy’s family is rallying around her and encouraging her to be strong and positive. Tracy has to concentrate on the treatment and healing process and leave the heavy lifting to those who love and support her. We are early on in this long journey, and we’re in it for the long haul.

PAY IT FORWARD

Those who know Tracy understand that she would be the first person to come to the aid of a friend in trouble. From her pre-Covid Sick Kids Hospital annual fundraisers to the constant care of her ailing Mother, she has shown time and again how she will put the needs of others ahead of herself. She is a classic case of how to pay it forward.

We are going to raise sufficient funds so that she no longer needs to worry about money. We have established a modest goal of $20,000 to see her comfortably through the first part of her journey. If you can help in any small way, we would be extremely grateful. And we especially ask that you share this campaign through your social media.

As Charlie Mackesy would have said to Tracy:

“One day you’ll look back and realise how hard it was, and just how well you did.”

Thank You.