Long time resident needs our help to kick cancer!

Hi, my name is Jodie. I have been a long time friend of Christina Wood (nee Field) for 37 years. She has been like a sister to me through these years.

16 months ago Tina was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. After a disastrous visit to our local hospital, ignored and told she was being a drama queen, her husband JP had to rush her to Dawson to get better care. She was immediately taken in to surgery, with a ruptured bowel. Had her husband not rushed her to DC Tina would no longer be with us.

Since then Tina has had to undergo a series of operations, and currently is unable to work. She had to close down her business and as she was self employed is not eligible for medical EI. Welfare will not help as she is married, and for some reason her doctor won't put her on disability.

It could be that she can't seem to get in to see her family doctor and the clinic is less than accommodating in getting her in. Her family doctor leaves in a few weeks and they have not transferred her file to anyone else. Utterly disgusting in my eyes that Northern health has such low regard for patients, and the medical clinic is less than helpful.

Her husband's medical plan only covers a percentage of the medications that are required for her and her family's health. Her medication costs are astronomical, then topped with her husband's medications and her children's, she is often having to decide if she can swing getting all of her meds.

As you can imagine, when you lose 1 full income and you are unable to help provide for the household costs and medications you would be greatly stressed. The last thing Tina needs is more stress.

Currently, we are unsure on when she will be able to return to work. Certainly not on the near future.

Despite Tina's reluctance I am hoping to help her and her family out so she can just heal. Instead of worry about the bills, medications, mortgage, etc. JPs income just isn't enough.

Tina has been a vital part of this community for 43 years. She's a lifer here. She has selflessly given many, many times and would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. This community has rallied for other members.. let's rally around Tina and show her what local spirit can do.

Love you Tina. You got this. Of anyone can keep kicking cancers ass, it is you!