Lynda's Treatment Fund

Lynda embodies the simple, sweet promise offered in the lyrics of Carol King’s song, You’ve Got a Friend. With Lynda in your life, when that old north wind begins to blow, you will not be bracing yourself against it alone.  And when the sun peaks out again, she is still there, standing strong, celebrating life, proving yet again, that she asks only to be in the company of those she loves. 

Have you ever needed a friend to listen without judgment so you can tap back into your own internal resources?  What about those times when your energy for taking action has been sucked dry and you just cannot do more on your own?  So many of us have called on Lynda during such times, because we know that under the surface of her gentle presence, lies a feisty and bold spirit that is not easily daunted by circumstances that might overwhelm others.  For Lynda, taking effective action to ease the burden of others is a natural and authentic urge.  She advocates effectively and persistently, when she knows of a voice or life that is stifled, reaching out beyond her personal sphere to do what she can.  For decades, she, with her partner, has quietly provided financial support for families and children around the world. 


You can see that Lynda does not take the dark nights of others lightly.  In her world, no matter what the season, turning away is not an option.  Her values resonate in her chosen profession as counselling therapist and literacy tutor, and as a devoted mother and grandmother, she melts easily and often, knows when to stand strong against the inevitable storms of family life, and does not waver in her love-ever. 


The tapestry of Lynda’s life is hand-woven with brightly coloured threads of meaningful relationships.  There are so many of us who love her, and when we heard that she had been diagnosed with 4th stage, Peritoneal, Ovarian Cancer, we were shaken with disbelief and, momentarily, frozen with shock.  However, the need for action was immediate and urgent; we took a collective, deep breath and started doing whatever we could to ease her burden, to advocate for her life, and to stand strong with her against, seemingly, overwhelming odds. 

Together, with Lynda, we are a mighty force, but so is cancer.  Lynda has already undertaken and benefitted from IV Chemotherapy, surgery, Intraperotineal chemo, and naturopathic oncology support.  She has achieved extended life, but this cancer is tenacious and her Oncologist insists that more action is essential.  He is advocating for a promising and hopeful treatment newly available to people in Lynda’s position.  It has been federally approved and now each province must negotiate a best price with the manufacturer, after which it is likely that the drug will be readily available and the cost will be manageable.  Unfortunately, the process could take up to a year - time that Lynda cannot afford.  As well, the cost is prohibitive (right now, just under $6,000 every 28 days!), something else she and her family cannot afford.  Lynda is an inspirational presence in our world, who walks the talk of love.  We are reaching out, hoping you can help in any way you can to ease the burden for her and her family.  Thank you for being a friend.