Hello, my name is Rick and I am fundraising for a very special friend who is preparing for major cancer surgery. Carolyn Giroux has been diagnosed with a rare type of Pancreatic Cancer, and has a neuroendocrine tumour, lovingly nick-named Matilda. This tumour doesn't respond to chemotherapy so surgery is the only option and is curative. The surgery will take between 16-24 hours, with more time added to repair vascular systems that the tumour has invaded. It is a highly technical and complex surgery requiring an extensive recovery time. Because of the seriousness of this surgery, she can only receive a date when the hospital's full resources are available to her. She is expecting to get a date within the first two weeks of January, and will be in the hospital for at least ten days. Her recovery time will be 6-8 weeks.

This puts Carolyn out of commission for almost four months. During this time, she will need plenty of rest and support from her community. Because she has been ill battling the effects of this cancer, she's had to take many days off work to deal with multiple appointments and with surgery looming in the future she hasn't been able to expand her client base, leaving her in a shortfall. At this time, she mainly needs money to pay her bills. Money will be used for rent, monthly expenses, food, prescriptions and clothing. She has lost a significant amount of weight and is expected to lose more as her digestive system learns to function properly without Matilda jamming things up. The money will also provide a bit of a buffer for when she does return to work allowing her to return slowly and rebuild her business. Any funds raised above the target will go towards a F*CK Cancer Matilda is Dead celebration, towards any contingency, and possibly towards a vacation fund.

If you can give anything it would be greatly appreciated and needed, if not please share this among your friends and family. Thank you so much for supporting Carolyn, she is surrounded by an amazing community. Carolyn or I will update regularly with her progress.

Let's make sure Carolyn has a fantastic Christmas and a successful surgery and recovery, free from financial concerns!