Donate to Mel during this difficult time.

Exactly 3 years ago today, April 21 2022, I was given the devastating news that I had a 6cm malignant tumour growing in my Cervix. Being diagnosed with cervical cancer was hard enough however they would not provide any treatment until I agreed to bilateral Neprostimy tubes in my Kidneys due to the tumour blocking my uterers, creating a lethal dose of Creatinine build up that could only be filtered by urinary tubes with bags. I agreed to this of course so that they could administer 1 weekly dose of chemotherapy for 5 weeks and 25 consecutive radiation sessions for 25 days straight. It was a hard month to say the least, however the CT scan and MRI's 3 months later showed the tumour was gone. The radiation created a Fistula between my vagina and urinary bladder causing infection after infection, which led to admission at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto for 45 days. Four abdominal abcesses that needed another 4 bags to drain them, now having six bags and loosing weight quickly, while not able to eat or go to the washroom properly. Extensive testing showed a malignant tumour in my right pelvic lymph node, suggesting another 8 chemotherapy treatments.

In September 2023, my Oncologist gave me 1 year to live as the chemo was only giving me time. After 3 sessions and a dramatic loss of strength and will, I decided to stop chemotherapy because quality of life with my four children was more important to me than quantity of time, knowing I was going downhill quickly. And then, I started to get better. The last three scans have shown no signs of any cancer, until I was admitted into urgent care on March 29th 2025 for having diffculty with my bowel movements from antibiotics and complications of the Fistula. Ostoma otherwise known as a coloscopy bag had to be put in. This is something I've never wanted to happen but it's amazing how the human body adapts to change so well to survive. Each scan is more imporant than the last right now to figure out exactly what is going on, but this is cancer, unpredictable.

I'm a single mother of four beautiful children and I will be 45 in August.

If you know me, then you know this is very difficult for me to do. I don't like asking for help, I like to be the one who helps. I feel completely broken by what this journey has thrown at me, eventhough it's a blessing in disguise, and so many lessons have been learned, but is so not fair...for anyone to experience.

So, this is why I write, in hopes that you could spare some change to help me pay the utilities, put food on the table (I do attend the foodbank as well), pay for hospital parking, fuel and maintenance for the Honda that gets me to appointments, medical supplies and treatments, supplements, helping the kids with school related activities and most importantly, piece of mind. I'm selling and have sold most of my belongings. I live a simple life and just need some help with this stress so I can truly heal and be of purpose once again, and to have the energy to spend especially with my family. Your help essentially is saving my life. This is the last resort for me, and I am so grateful gofundme.com exists.

Thank you again, from my family to yours,

May God bless you all. OM

XO Mel