Maia the Mighty
Donation protected
"Maia the Mighty" - MAIA ZANN-ROLAND
Many reading this page will be well familiar with Maia’s 2019 battle against Osteosarcoma that resulted in reconstructive surgery on her right femur and months of chemo both before and after the surgery. We also know that many, if not all, reading this provided support in some way to the Zann-Roland family during that time, whether by way of financial donation, preparation of food, prayer, positive messages or other. The Zann-Roland family was so very appreciative of this community and the love and kindness that was shared with them. It is difficult to find words to describe how much we wish this were a simple post to thank the community. Unfortunately, Maia’s cancer has returned and therefore, the fight resumes.
Anyone who followed Maia’s 2019 journey will know that Maia faced this fight with a level of strength, bravery and resilience that truly left all of us who love her in absolute awe. The hope, of course, was that the horrors of cancer were behind her, and she could fully embrace high school life. Despite Covid, summer of 2020 looked like a new start for Maia. She was finally able to toss her wig - a huge deal for her; she passed her driving test, and was loving every minute of the freedom and normalcy that brought to her life. She hung out with her family and friends, doing what teenagers are supposed to be doing. Unfortunately, Maia’s one year check up on August 17th, brought devastating news. Cancer had decided that it was not quite done interfering with our Mighty Maia, and reared its ugly face in that same femur, just above her knee.
The “normalcy” to which the Zann-Rolands were happily adjusting to was shattered by this news. Many tests and consultations occurred in a very short time, following which, it was decided by Maia, her family and medical team, that the best treatment plan starts with the loss of her right leg. True to form, Maia faced the decision practically and even positively, once again amazing everyone with her ability not only to accept without complaint, but to maintain positivity despite the very significant challenges she must work through.
On September 23rd, Maia will undergo a high femur amputation. It is not known yet whether she will have to undergo chemo as well, but either way, it is certain that Maia will have a lengthy recovery period, and the family will incur substantial expenses, far exceeding those covered by health care or insurance.
Without personal experience, it is sometimes easy to assume that our free health care (thank goodness) will cover the vast majority of expenses for families fighting illness. However, that is, unfortunately not the case. Drastically elevated day to day expenses are inevitable, such as food on the road and gas to travel. Those alone can be financially overwhelming, however, they are just the tip of the iceberg, especially in consideration of the fact that this family depleted resources in 2019 coping with Round 1 of this awful disease. Round 2 is unfortunately, going to be monumentally more expensive. In addition to the day to day, Maia will require house modifications and assistive equipment. Most significantly however, she will need a prosthetic limb, and eventually a vehicle that is accommodated for her.
Maia is an absolute gift to everyone who knows her. She is exceptional in attitude and determination. She accepts, seemingly without question, that this is her fight. While cancer has taken her leg, it has not taken her spirit or diminished her joy. Her family is so very grateful for that. There is no doubt that Maia will therefore do exceptional things with whatever opportunities are available for her. Her friends and family want to do everything we can to keep cancer from limiting her opportunities any further. A functional prosthetic limb is essential for that to happen.
We have started this Go Fund Me page to relieve some stress by providing some financial relief to the Zann-Roland family. We are also hoping to be able to raise sufficient funds to be able to ensure that this truly amazing teen has the best possible chance at triumphing over the unfair hand with which she has so graciously and bravely dealt.
If you are reading this and feel able to make a financial donation, it will be most gratefully received.
Sincerely, Karen Killawee, Lisa MacNutt & Jodie Matheson
Many reading this page will be well familiar with Maia’s 2019 battle against Osteosarcoma that resulted in reconstructive surgery on her right femur and months of chemo both before and after the surgery. We also know that many, if not all, reading this provided support in some way to the Zann-Roland family during that time, whether by way of financial donation, preparation of food, prayer, positive messages or other. The Zann-Roland family was so very appreciative of this community and the love and kindness that was shared with them. It is difficult to find words to describe how much we wish this were a simple post to thank the community. Unfortunately, Maia’s cancer has returned and therefore, the fight resumes.
Anyone who followed Maia’s 2019 journey will know that Maia faced this fight with a level of strength, bravery and resilience that truly left all of us who love her in absolute awe. The hope, of course, was that the horrors of cancer were behind her, and she could fully embrace high school life. Despite Covid, summer of 2020 looked like a new start for Maia. She was finally able to toss her wig - a huge deal for her; she passed her driving test, and was loving every minute of the freedom and normalcy that brought to her life. She hung out with her family and friends, doing what teenagers are supposed to be doing. Unfortunately, Maia’s one year check up on August 17th, brought devastating news. Cancer had decided that it was not quite done interfering with our Mighty Maia, and reared its ugly face in that same femur, just above her knee.
The “normalcy” to which the Zann-Rolands were happily adjusting to was shattered by this news. Many tests and consultations occurred in a very short time, following which, it was decided by Maia, her family and medical team, that the best treatment plan starts with the loss of her right leg. True to form, Maia faced the decision practically and even positively, once again amazing everyone with her ability not only to accept without complaint, but to maintain positivity despite the very significant challenges she must work through.
On September 23rd, Maia will undergo a high femur amputation. It is not known yet whether she will have to undergo chemo as well, but either way, it is certain that Maia will have a lengthy recovery period, and the family will incur substantial expenses, far exceeding those covered by health care or insurance.
Without personal experience, it is sometimes easy to assume that our free health care (thank goodness) will cover the vast majority of expenses for families fighting illness. However, that is, unfortunately not the case. Drastically elevated day to day expenses are inevitable, such as food on the road and gas to travel. Those alone can be financially overwhelming, however, they are just the tip of the iceberg, especially in consideration of the fact that this family depleted resources in 2019 coping with Round 1 of this awful disease. Round 2 is unfortunately, going to be monumentally more expensive. In addition to the day to day, Maia will require house modifications and assistive equipment. Most significantly however, she will need a prosthetic limb, and eventually a vehicle that is accommodated for her.
Maia is an absolute gift to everyone who knows her. She is exceptional in attitude and determination. She accepts, seemingly without question, that this is her fight. While cancer has taken her leg, it has not taken her spirit or diminished her joy. Her family is so very grateful for that. There is no doubt that Maia will therefore do exceptional things with whatever opportunities are available for her. Her friends and family want to do everything we can to keep cancer from limiting her opportunities any further. A functional prosthetic limb is essential for that to happen.
We have started this Go Fund Me page to relieve some stress by providing some financial relief to the Zann-Roland family. We are also hoping to be able to raise sufficient funds to be able to ensure that this truly amazing teen has the best possible chance at triumphing over the unfair hand with which she has so graciously and bravely dealt.
If you are reading this and feel able to make a financial donation, it will be most gratefully received.
Sincerely, Karen Killawee, Lisa MacNutt & Jodie Matheson
Organizer and beneficiary
Lisa Michelle MacNutt
Organizer
Tamara Zann-Roland
Beneficiary
